Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Many reflects on peace at New Year event

Many reflects on peace at New Year event

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Hun Many takes a selfie with a large crowd of revelers on New Year’s Eve. HUN MANY FB

Many reflects on peace at New Year event

On the occasion of the 2022 global countdown to the New Year, senior National Assembly member Hun Many reflected on the fact that the heightened celebrations were a result of the Kingdom’s peace and development, and especially the government’s effective management of Covid-19.

The previous two years saw more muted celebrations, as the rest of the world struggled to bring the virus under control.

Many, a lawmaker for Kampong Speu province and president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), said the happy gatherings of large crowds of Cambodians across the country on the occasion of the New Year were a reflection of the “new normal” socio-economic reopening that the government had been able to implement.

Many made his remarks on December 31 at the Kampong Speu Provincial Stadium, where he was celebrating the New Year.

“Without peace, we would not have had the opportunity to meet like this. This is a source of pride for Cambodia, which is a small country with a big heart. Despite our small size, we have shown the world that we are capable of managing and protecting our territorial integrity, ensuring the well-being of our people and ensuring national macroeconomic stability for continuous growth,” he said.

Chhort Bunthong, head of the Culture, Education and Tourist Relations Department at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), echoed Hun Many’s remarks, saying that Cambodia has been truly peaceful since the end of the civil war. The Kingdom no longer has separate zones, and its people can travel the length and breadth of the country freely and without fear.

He said it was not just within the country that the Kingdom’s control of Covid-19 had been recognised. The international community had lauded Cambodia’s excellent work in reducing community transmissions, and especially the effectiveness of its world-leading vaccination campaign.

“Post-Covid-19, tourism has yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels, but this is because the Kingdom relies on international visitors. The Covid-19 situation has not improved as rapidly as it has here in many of our target countries, most notably China,” he added.

He believed that recovery of the industry would be dependent on other countries lifting their travel restrictions, and an improved global economic outlook.

“In order to restore the tourism sector, we should consider improving the infrastructure of tourist sites and hospitality standards,” he said.

On the occasion of the 2023 countdown, Siem Reap and Kampot provinces each welcomed about 330,000 tourists, a sharp increase on the previous year. Kep saw 90,000 tourists marking the occasion by the ocean, while tens of thousands of visitors flocked to the Kingdom’s other provinces.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom

  • PM warns of int’l election interference

    With the national election scheduled to take place in less than two months, Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned foreign nations and their diplomats not to interfere into Cambodia’s domestic affairs. He also hinted that their statements on court verdicts handed down to any