AKP Phnom Penh, March 20, 2026 -- The upcoming traditional New Year celebrations, known as "Nokor Sankranta," will be dedicated to honouring frontline soldiers and supporting citizens displaced by ongoing border tensions, Royal Government officials announced Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many, President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), stated that this year’s festivities are designed to reinforce national solidarity. He noted that special "Nokor Sankranta" programmes will be organised specifically for displaced persons to ensure those on the front lines feel the unwavering support of the nation.

"We want to demonstrate that those of us in the rear never forget our brothers and sisters at the front," H.E. Hun Many said.

As part of the commemorations, the UYFC has launched the "10,000 Krama (Scarves) and Greeting Cards for Frontline Heroes" campaign. The initiative provides a public platform for citizens to express gratitude to the armed forces stationed along the border. Proceeds from the sale of UYFC souvenirs during the festival will be donated to support frontline troops and displaced families.

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet previously underscored the dual significance of this year's celebrations. He emphasised that while the Royal Government remains committed to its territorial defence obligations, cultural and economic life must continue despite recent border provocations.

"Even as we actively seek a diplomatic resolution to territorial integrity issues at certain locations along the Thai border, our cultural and social activities must not come to a standstill," the Prime Minister explained.

In a shift from previous years, the 2026 celebrations will forgo traditional water-splashing and powder-throwing activities. Instead, the focus will remain strictly on promoting Khmer cultural heritage through folk dances and religious ceremonies, coupled with humanitarian outreach to safety centres housing displaced residents.

Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance during a press briefing at the Office of the Council of Ministers on Friday. He stressed that Cambodia remains firmly committed to a peaceful resolution based on international law and the principle of uti possidetis juris (as you possess under law).

"Cambodia strictly adheres to the ceasefire and the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025," H.E. Pen Bona said, adding that the Kingdom remains steadfast in defending its international borders as defined by historical Franco-Siamese treaties and maps, asserting that Cambodia will not recognise any border changes resulting from the use of force.

The "Nokor Sankranta" festival, scheduled to take place from April 14 to 19 in Phnom Penh, is expected to serve as a symbol of national unity under the motto "Nation, Religion, King," reflecting the Royal Government’s priority of protecting both territorial integrity and the well-being of its people.

DPM H.E. Hun Many, President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC)

Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona

By K. Rithy Reak