Water Festival in Phnom Penh Cancelled Due to Cambodia-Thailand Border Crisis
- Editorial team
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Cambodia has taken the exceptional decision to cancel the country's largest popular celebration, the traditional Water Festival (Bon Om Tuk), which was due to take place from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Phnom Penh.
This measure, announced in early September 2025, is explained by the continuing border tensions undermining the fragile ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as by the need to focus government resources on managing the humanitarian consequences of this conflict.
A Context of Persistent Border Tensions
Since late July 2025, Cambodia and Thailand have experienced sporadic clashes along their shared border, an area already marked by disputed territorial claims, particularly around the villages of Chok Chey and Prey Chan in Banteay Meanchey province. These conflicts have caused the displacement of Cambodian populations and a massive influx of workers returning to the country in precarious conditions, requiring urgent humanitarian intervention.
Faced with this crisis, the Cambodian government has opted for caution, believing that maintaining the celebrations in Phnom Penh could divert attention and political resources away from the priorities of solidarity and support for vulnerable populations affected by the situation at the border.
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers therefore decided to focus their efforts on managing the humanitarian consequences and securing peace in this sensitive region.
Maintaining the Public Holiday and Local Celebrations
Despite this cancellation, the government has reconfirmed that the three-day national holiday corresponding to the Water Festival period will be maintained. It has also authorised the provinces to organise their own local festivities, in a more discreet format adapted to the security situation.
This decision respects cultural tradition while avoiding mass gatherings that could exacerbate tensions or pose significant security risks.
Cultural and Economic Importance of the Water Festival
The Water Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Cambodia. It marks the end of the rainy season and pays tribute to the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers that irrigate the country. The event attracts millions of participants each year, with dragon boat races, spectacular illuminations and traditional religious rituals. It is a major economic driver, promoting tourism, catering, crafts and the local economy in the capital and the regions concerned.
The cancellation of the 2025 edition in Phnom Penh therefore has a definite economic impact, particularly on those involved in tourism and events, who are already weakened by the slow post-pandemic recovery. However, the government's priority remains political and social stabilisation, particularly in a context where Cambodia faces other challenges such as the economic slowdown projected for 2025, declining foreign investment, and managing the repercussions of the border conflict.
Solidarity and International Support
The Cambodian government is receiving support from its partners, notably China, which recently provided approximately $2.8 million in humanitarian aid to families affected by the border crisis. This aid is part of a broader framework of strategic cooperation between Phnom Penh and Beijing, which strongly supports Cambodian sovereignty during this critical period.
Furthermore, within ASEAN, Cambodia has called for greater unity to address major regional challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss and geopolitical tensions, emphasising the importance of dialogue and cooperation to preserve peace and stability in the region.
This historic cancellation marks a significant moment in Cambodia's political and social trajectory, highlighting both the vulnerability associated with border conflicts and the government's determination to prioritise humanitarian aid and national stability over major traditional festivities. However, Cambodian civil society and provinces are encouraged to continue the celebrations in a spirit of cultural resilience and national unity.
Comments