On the evening of April 5, 2026, Preah Sihanouk Governor Mang Sineth joined the public in traditional Khmer circle dancing at the province’s “Smiles and Hope” event near the Cambodia Bay Club’s “Southwestern Star” sign roundabout at Ochheuteal 1 Beach in Sihanoukville, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Participants included provincial council chair វង្ស ផាណាត and his wife, Governor Mang Sineth and his wife, municipal and district leaders, departments and units, residents and many Cambodian and international visitors. The report describes attendance in the thousands.
Mang Sineth said the event aimed to promote the province to domestic and international audiences, attract more New Year visitors and deepen understanding of Khmer traditions and customs handed down over generations.
He said the provincial administration had also inaugurated facilities at Ochheuteal that day, alongside cultural performances and traditional games. The theme was “Smiling and Hoping of Preah Sihanouk Province”. Linking nationwide preparations to welcome the New Year deity with patriotism and solidarity, he called for unity with the government and affirmed the belief that “unity sustains us, unity wins”, saying no force could destroy that determination.
The inaugurated facilities include parking, improved food stalls, seven pedestrian beach entrances, security cameras, an “I Love Sihanoukville” sign and a building for gendarmerie personnel on duty.
The report presents these developments as a joint effort to make Ochheuteal clean, modern and of international standard, in line with the policy of developing Preah Sihanouk into a leading coastal destination.
During the New Year celebrations, the governor urged all concerned to help maintain the facilities, improve environmental hygiene and keep the beach clean, supporting the long-term economy and livelihoods of vendors and residents across the province.
Writer: Pai Sokhim. Photographs: Teav Vichat and Keo Dara.
