PHNOM PENH: On the occasion of his first international New Year in office, Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed the Ministry of Tourism to cooperate with local administrations to provide decorations and entertainment for the celebration.

The PM told capital and provincial administrations to prepare venues for concerts, Khmer boxing and other entertainment programs to attract local tourists.

The Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Tourism and the National Committee for the Evaluation of Clean Cities to organize city competitions for the best annual Global New Year celebrations, focusing on the organization of order, safety, hygiene, environment, decoration and provision of entertainment for tourists. He instructed the authorities to strengthen security for safety and public order and to prevent unrest.

The Kep Provincial Administration will organize three large events from December 30-31 to celebrate the Global New Year. At 7:30 am on December 30, there will be a Khmer kite flying ceremony at the new Phsar Kdam beach. At the same time on December 31, there will be a beach festival and from 7 pm to 12 am there will be concerts, fireworks and lanterns.

Last year, Battambang won Best Countdown City of the Year followed by Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.