ABC Radio Australia celebrated Khmer New Year with its first outdoor broadcast away from Phnom Penh. Siem Reap was the chosen locale for a two-day live broadcasting stint held on April 15 and 16.

Crowds of around 500 braved the midday sun to watch the broadcasts on a site across the river from the Old Market, and were entertained by Cambodian comedy duo Khat Sokhim and Khat Cham Roeun.

Seda Douglas, executive producer of Radio Australia’s Khmer service, said, “Over the past few years we’ve broadcast live from Cambodia at the Water Festival in Phnom Penh and received an overwhelming response from our audiences. So this year we felt it essential to share the important festivities of the Khmer New Year with our audience in Siem Reap and surrounding rural provinces.”