The two days of boat racing at Bassac River in Kandal province’s Takhmao town came to an end on October 30, Prime Minister Hun Sen compliment the event due to Cambodia peace and progression across all sectors of the economy and society.

He noted that this year, the government is unable to hold an official celebration of the water festival in the capital as Cambodia prepares to host the ASEAN summit and related meetings in November.

He attributed to the spirit of solidarity and national unity that was the result of the peace Cambodia enjoyed.

“Because we have peace, we can have such celebrations without the fear of any gunshots or terrorist attacks occurring. Because we have peace, we have the development we’ve achieved today.

“Not just the government but all people must strive to maintain this hard-earned peace. At any stake, we have to maintain the peace,” he said.

Kandal provincial governor Kong Sophorn said that the two days of boat racing had 92 long boats with 5,330 boat racers participating.

He estimated that on the first day about 50,000 people watched the races and on the second day around 60,000 people attended the event.

The province also held an exhibition of Cambodian products during the day while at night people released lanterns into the water and fireworks display was staged along with a concert.