Huge Crowd at the Royal Palace Proves Logistical Challenge
With an estimated 1 million people- 10 times more than Phnom Penh authorities had expected- lining the streets yesterday for the arrival of Norodom Sihanouk’s remains, legions of police, medics, and street sweepers were working behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly. National Police spokesman Lieutenant General Kirth Chantharith said that more than 5,000 police officers, including municipal police, traffic police, military police, and royal bodyguards, were deployed to keep order. … But if police successfully kept the crowd and dignitaries safe from arm, a relentless afternoon sun resulted in a series of faintings that ensured medical personnel stayed busy. …
