Cambodia high ranking officials for national holiday celebrations say Thursday that about 400 local and international boats will enter a race in the traditional Water Festival, and that this year the national security is tighter than last year.
Secretary of the Ministry of Cult and Religion and Chairman of The Festival Organizing Committee on national and international holidays, Min Khin, says that this year's festival is more magnificent than last year.
The festival will last 3 days, and involves 378 boats with 18,644 rowers. Each boat can load up to 50 or 70 participants. There will be 8 floats decorated with lights as symbols of 8 departments floating on the river.
Mr. Thong Khon, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism said that he expects many tourists going to watch the race this year as his department advertizes it through CNN, etc...The festival will last from November 15-17, and King Sihamoni will be expected to preside over the ceremony on the first day.