Although more boats have signed up to race, this year’s Water Festival will not be as big, due to the flooding, officials predict.
“We do not have [enough money] to run this event as auspiciously as last year,” said Hang Vanny of the National and International Festival Committee. He said some companies have had to cut back their donations “as they have spent much of their resources to help flood victims.”
Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara says he believes fewer crowds will come to watch if the water remains high.
Each province is fielding more entries than last year, with the number of boats rising from 344 to 400.
Kandal and Kompong Cham provinces are entering the most boats. The three-day festival begins Nov 10
Officials say the cutbacks will mean each boat has two chances to compete, instead of three .