A Glimpse of 2023, An Eventful Year
A woman and her daughter walk next to signs ahead of the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Phnom Penh on May 4, 2023. (Photo: AFP)
- By Phat Dane
- December 30, 2023 1:27 PM
PHNOM PENH – The year 2023 has been one of the most eventful for Cambodia, from breaking world records to hosting the first regional games, generational leadership change and the return of the Water Festival.
10th Angkor Sankranta
There was the 10th anniversary of Angkor Sankranta. Usually held during Khmer New Year in April since 2013, it aimed to celebrate one of the Cambodia’s most importance traditional events and commemorate the Khmer Intangible Heritage at the site of the tangible heritage.
It also contributes to the preservation and development of national culture, national prestige on the international stage and provides opportunities for tourists to learn about the prosperity of culture, civilization, customs, traditions, religions and as part of promoting domestic tourism and attracting foreign tourists.
This year’s event saw Cambodia breaking two more world records: the Madison Dance with 4,999 people and the largest number of origami paper hearts folded, at one million.
The first SEA Games
The 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), ran from May 5 to 17 and was the first year that Cambodia had hosted the event in its 60-year history.
Cambodia spent more than $100 million on the event. A total of 37 sports with 608 disciplines was involved, the largest number in SEA Games since 1956. Cambodia won 282 medals: 81 gold, 74 silver and 127 bronze.
In June, Cambodia hosted the 12th ASEAN Para Games. Cambodia won 43 medals, including 6 gold, 12 silver and 25 bronze.
General election and once-in-a-generation leadership change
In what was the most important event in 2023, the July 23 election led to a generational change in the top leadership with the ruling party’s old guard stepping aside for their children.
Eighteen parties took part. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won an overwhelming 120 seats, with five for the royalist FUNCINPEC party.
On Aug. 22, Hun Manet was elected by the National Assembly to be the new Prime Minister, succeeding his father Hun Sen. Led by Hun Manet, the cabinet also consists of 10 deputy prime ministers and 18 senior ministers, along with 30 ministers.
Sept. 2, King Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree conferring the title of Samdech on Hun Manet.
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) returns
Having been suspended for three years, Bon Om Touk was held again on Nov. 26, 27 and 28 in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. During the event, 338 boats from the capitals and provinces raced on the Chaktomuk River.
Apart from Phnom Penh, some provinces also organized boat races. The three days attracted about 6.5 million people. Phnom Penh received about 5.42 million national and international tourists.
Westerdam is back
The cruise ship MS Westerdam docked once again in Sihanoukville on Dec. 28 to express appreciation for being allowed to stop there three years ago in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021 when the pandemic started spreading, the cruise ship was turned away by many countries amid the fear of the virus spreading. Then-PM Hun Sen welcomed the passengers and crew personally on Feb. 14.
Torn Chanritheara contributed to the story.
