Cambodia Joins Joyful Mekong Neighbours In Ushering New Year 

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- Thousands of revellers joined the New Year celebrations in the capitals of the Greater Mekong Subregion, after bravely overcoming adversities from typhoons to political insecurity last year.  

Across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, over 300 million people ushered in the New Year, hoping 2026 would bring fresh hopes and prosperity. 

In Vientiane, the capital of tiny Laos, citizens rejoiced under glittering fireworks, ignoring the hardships they faced due to the vagaries of weather hazards such as floods and typhoons, and economic woes.

“Despite difficulties and challenges, the Lao people remain united and have achieved encouraging results, including sustained political stability, social peace and order, and continued economic recovery and growth,” Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith said in his New Year message to the nation.

Cambodians turned their months of sombre moods into vibrant celebrations, bidding farewell to the tough months of 2025 and welcoming the new year at midnight.

There were genuine reasons for their rejoice. Eighteen Cambodian soldiers held for nearly 155 days by the Thai military were released on Wednesday morning after a renewed ceasefire agreement on Dec 27, which also ended border hostilities with their neighbour.

In the national capital, Phnom Penh, Cambodians thronged the popular Chaktomuk Walk Street to celebrate, which will now be a venue for a three-day celebration. 

Cambodians are hoping for a fresh beginning after the dreadful and protracted border conflict with Thailand ended last month. 

“The outlook for 2026 hinges on consolidating a durable peace with Thailand to restore cross-border flows and advancing domestic structural reforms to diversify the economy and build resilience. 

“A sustained recovery would solidify Cambodia's role as a nimble actor within a complex regional architecture,” International Relations Institute of Cambodia Director-General Dr Kin Phea told Bernama.

Hanoi is in a different mood. From the southern prosperous Ho Chi Minh City to the economically bustling capital Hanoi, the Vietnamese are basking in joy. 

There are justifications for their excitement. Vietnam’s total import-export turnover surpassed RM3.7 trillion (US$900 billion) for the first time in 2025, putting the Southeast Asian nation among the top 25 global trading powerhouses.

Winning the coveted SEA Games football gold medal after defeating Thailand 3-2 in the men’s final in Bangkok in December was another milestone that calls for a celebration in the football-fanatic nation. 

In Myanmar, celebrations for the new year were held under the shadow of political uncertainties and economic challenges. 

After almost five years, the military-led government under the leadership of State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held its first elections on Dec 28.

The second phase is due on Jan 11, and the final polls on Jan 25 will decide the nation’s political direction. 

A new year’s eve concert has been held at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium in the capital Nay Pyi Taw since Dec 28, while crowds thronged Yangon’s People’s Square for the countdown, reported state media The Global New Light of Myanmar. 

“In 2026, we must learn lessons from past experiences, base ourselves on love for the nation and our fellow citizens, uphold the spirit of the union, and move forward with unity, mutual understanding, and trust to successfully overcome challenges,” said Aung Hlaing, according to the state media.

-- BERNAMA