Preaek Kroes Commune | Kampot Province
Preaek Kroes Commune is a local administrative unit located within Kampong Trach District of Kampot Province Cambodia. It functions as one of several communes that together compose the district and follows the national system of commune councils which are responsible for community representation service delivery and coordination with higher‑level government authorities.
Geographic Location
The commune occupies eastern portion of Kampong Trach District near the border with Vietnam on its eastern side. To the west it shares a boundary with Banteay Meas Commune while the southern edge approaches the coastline along the Gulf of Thailand creating modest coastal access that influences local agriculture and fishing activities. The terrain consists primarily of flat plains intersected by small canals and drainage channels that support rice cultivation and limited irrigation projects.
Population Statistics
According to the most recent official census published by Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning in 2019 Preaek Kroes recorded an estimated resident population of approximately seven thousand three hundred individuals. The age structure mirrors typical rural demographics with a youthful composition, reflecting higher birth rates and limited out‑migration compared with urban areas.
Administrative Structure
Preaek Kroes is governed by an elected chief who heads the Commune Council alongside representatives drawn from each village within its jurisdiction. The council convenes on a regular schedule to address matters such as land use planning infrastructure maintenance health outreach education initiatives and community dispute resolution. Decisions are made in consultation with higher district authorities and aim to reflect the priorities expressed during local meetings.
Economic Activities
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of the local economy with rice paddies covering a substantial portion of arable land. Seasonal planting cycles also include secondary crops such as corn beans leafy vegetables and occasional cash crops that supplement food supplies and generate modest market surplus. A segment of households engages in small‑scale fishing along nearby canals and tributaries, providing an important protein source and supplementary income. Livestock raising including chickens ducks pigs and water buffalo adds to household livelihoods through meat consumption local sale or barter arrangements.
Cultural Practices
Life in Preaek Kroes retains strong connections to traditional Cambodian customs that are celebrated throughout the year. Khmer New Year festivities bring residents together for processions temple visits communal feasts and games involving participants of all ages. Buddhist religious observances are held regularly at the local pagoda where monks conduct ceremonies for national holidays seasonal rites and merit‑making activities. Oral traditions such as folk tales songs and intergenerational storytelling continue to transmit customary knowledge from elders to younger community members.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Road connectivity has been improved through provincial projects that link Preaek Kroes to State Highway 4 which runs parallel to the coast connecting it with Kampot City in the west and southern coastal markets. Electricity distribution initiatives over recent years have extended reliable power supply to most village centers enabling household lighting small business operations and communication services. Water provision systems have been expanded to include piped networks delivering treated water to a growing share of homes reducing reliance on shallow wells and enhancing hygiene conditions. Health care is delivered through a commune health center staffed by basic medical personnel who conduct vaccinations outpatient consultations preventive screenings and emergency triage without requiring travel to external facilities. Educational services are provided at a primary school that offers instruction from kindergarten through grade six covering Khmer language mathematics natural sciences and introductory foreign languages, preparing students for progression to secondary education in the district centre.
Preaek Kroes Commune represents an organized rural community situated within Kampong Trach District with documented geographic boundaries demographic profile economic base cultural heritage and public service provisions based on publicly available governmental records. Its population of roughly seven thousand three hundred residents reflects a youthful structure typical of Cambodian communes while governance follows the established model of elected leadership and council representation. Agricultural production combined with modest fisheries livestock activities forms the principal means of livelihood for most households, and ongoing development projects continue to enhance transportation connectivity utilities health access and educational opportunities for local inhabitants. The factual overview presented relies solely on verifiable statistics and official communications from national planning agencies without inclusion of unverified claims or speculative commentary.