(Kyodo) - Cambodia's water festival, or boat races, a three-day event recalling the long history of a Cambodia that defeated enemies using boats, kicked off Saturday with an estimated 2 million people flocking from the countryside into the capital.
Phnom Penh Police Chief Touch Naruth said about 3,000 security personnel have been deployed to prevent trouble during the festivities.
Chea Kean, deputy secretary general of the National and International Festival Committee, said 409 boats with 24,000 boat racers from across the country have registered for the races. Last year, 405 boats participated in the event.
Chea Kean added the racers, many of whom come from the countryside, are urged not to drink alcohol or visit brothels during their stay in Phnom Penh.
Sarom Sela, director of public relations of the U.N. agency Population Service International, said 200,000 condoms will be distributed free of charge to the boat racers and the participants during the three-day event.
He added that PSI sponsors three boats with more than 100 HIV-positive people for the race.
Many of the boats participating in the race are named after top government officials, with Prime Minister Hun Sen's name being dominant, officials said.
King Norodom Sihamoni presides over the races, accompanied by members of the foreign diplomatic corps and government leaders, including the prime minister.
The 1,700-meter race course is just in front of the Royal Palace on the Mekong River in the capital.
Phnom Penh Police Chief Touch Naruth said about 3,000 security personnel have been deployed to prevent trouble during the festivities.
Chea Kean, deputy secretary general of the National and International Festival Committee, said 409 boats with 24,000 boat racers from across the country have registered for the races. Last year, 405 boats participated in the event.
Chea Kean added the racers, many of whom come from the countryside, are urged not to drink alcohol or visit brothels during their stay in Phnom Penh.
Sarom Sela, director of public relations of the U.N. agency Population Service International, said 200,000 condoms will be distributed free of charge to the boat racers and the participants during the three-day event.
He added that PSI sponsors three boats with more than 100 HIV-positive people for the race.
Many of the boats participating in the race are named after top government officials, with Prime Minister Hun Sen's name being dominant, officials said.
King Norodom Sihamoni presides over the races, accompanied by members of the foreign diplomatic corps and government leaders, including the prime minister.
The 1,700-meter race course is just in front of the Royal Palace on the Mekong River in the capital.
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