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Summary
Cambodia on Thursday hosted a friendly boat race with Vietnam and Thailand in the southwestern province of Koh Kong, to promote good relations between the neighbours. Koh Kong, located in southwestern Cambodia, some 280 kilometres from the capital Phnom Penh, is thought of by locals as the most beautiful coastal province in the country. The Friendship Boat Race marked the 31st anniversary of Cambodia's ruling party CPP, which ousted the Khmer Rouge regime, and aimed to foster friendship between the three countries. Cambodia and Thailand have vowed to keep peace despite border skirmishes over an 11th century temple, Preah Vihear. The Preah Vihear temple, or Khao Phra Viharn as it is known in Thailand, sits on an escarpment that forms the natural border between the two countries and has been a source of tension for generations. Relations deteriorated further after the appointment of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, on the run from a graft conviction, as an adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who infuriated Thai authorities by hosting Thaksin. But differences were put aside on Thursday and local spectators turned up in force to lend support to the race, cheering loudly with brightly coloured pom-poms. We are proud that we can organise this event and that foreigners can take part in the competition, said 52 year-old Chan Dy.Twelve boats, four from each country, took part in the race. The final race was won by the Thai team and they received a wooden boat, certificates and some money as part of their prize. Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh presided over the race and the awarding ceremony. The most important part is that our neighbouring countries are participating, as well as people from the bordering provinces, so it shows that we have good friendship, he said. Traditional boat racing is a popular sport in Cambodia, attracting many locals to the river banks. Boat racing dates back to ancient times, marking the strength of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire.
