Cambodia Cancels 2025 Water Festival Amid Border Tensions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept. 3, 2025) — The Cambodian government has announced the cancellation of this year’s Water Festival, originally scheduled for November, citing heightened attention to the ongoing border dispute with Thailand.

According to the official statement, Cambodia remains committed to upholding the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 28. The meeting was mediated by Malaysia, co-organized by the United States, and attended by China and ASEAN member states as observers.

In light of the situation, the government said it is prioritizing humanitarian efforts, particularly those involving displaced civilians and Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand.

The Water Festival, one of Cambodia’s most significant cultural events, has faced multiple suspensions in recent years. It was canceled in 2011, 2012, and 2013 due to flooding and the death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. In 2015, the festival was called off due to low water levels, and in 2020, it was suspended again amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This marks the latest in a series of cancellations, reflecting the government’s focus on national stability and humanitarian concerns.