Samraong Kraom Commune | Kampot Province
Overview
Samraong Kraom is a commune located in the eastern part of Banteay Meas district, Kampot Province, Cambodia. It covers an area of roughly twenty‑four square kilometres and lies about eleven kilometres east of Kampot City. The administrative boundary is defined by national cadastral maps and falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial administration.
Geography and location
The geographical coordinates of Samraong Kraom are approximately 10°27′ north latitude and 104°12′ east longitude. Topographically, the commune consists of low‑lying alluvial plains formed by sediment deposited from minor tributaries that feed into the larger Kampot river network. Elevation averages four to five metres above sea level. The climate is tropical monsoon with a pronounced wet season from June through October and a dry season from November through May; annual rainfall measures around 1,600 mm.
Historical background
The settlement of Samraong Kraom dates back to the late nineteenth century when French colonial authorities began establishing village clusters for rice cultivation in the region. During the protectorate period the area developed as a secondary rice‑producing centre supporting markets along the Kampot‑Kep trade routes. Following Cambodia’s independence in 1953 and subsequent territorial reorganization after 1975, Samraong Kraom was formally incorporated into Banteay Meas district under the modern commune system restored in 1993.
Population and demographics
The most recent national census carried out by the National Institute of Statistics recorded an estimated population of about five thousand six hundred residents for Samraong Kraom in 2019. The majority of inhabitants identify as ethnic Khmer, while a small minority of Vietnamese families reside locally engaged in commerce. Household size averages four persons per unit, and literacy among individuals fifteen years and older exceeds eighty percent.
Economic activities
Agriculture constitutes the primary economic driver, accounting for roughly seventy‑five percent of employment. Main cultivated crops include rice, corn, and cassava; secondary production focuses on pepper, cashew nuts, and a growing segment of greenhouse vegetables introduced through provincial development projects. Livestock rearing—especially cattle and poultry—provides supplemental income for many households. Small‑scale trade in agricultural products is facilitated by weekly market gatherings held near the main village road.
Infrastructure and services
Transportation within Samraong Kraom relies on a network of unpaved rural roads that connect each settlement to State Route 3, allowing direct travel toward Kampot City and neighboring districts. Public transport consists mainly of shared motorbike taxis (motodops) used by residents for short‑distance trips. The commune maintains one health centre staffed by a physician and nursing personnel who handle basic medical consultations and vaccinations. Electricity is supplied intermittently from the national grid; some households have installed solar panels under government‑sponsored renewable energy programs.
Governance and administration
Samraong Kraom operates through an elected Commune Development Committee chaired by the chief of commune. The committee functions in close coordination with district officials to allocate central government funds, implement community projects, and monitor service delivery. Regular council meetings address matters such as land use planning, sanitation improvements, agricultural extension services, and public safety initiatives.
Cultural aspects
Community life is shaped by traditional Khmer customs, Theravada Buddhist practices, and seasonal festivals that are celebrated at the local pagoda complex. Major cultural events include Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) in November and Pchum Ben observances during the lunar month of October–November, both drawing participation from all villagers. Folk dances associated with rice planting and harvest cycles are performed annually and serve as a means of preserving oral traditions.
Education and health facilities
The commune hosts two primary schools that provide education up to grade six for children residing in Samraong Kraom and nearby villages. A secondary school located in the adjacent district centre allows older students to continue their studies beyond basic education. In addition to the central health centre, a modest outreach clinic operates on certain days, offering maternal and child health services delivered by visiting medical teams.
Transportation and connectivity
Accessibility is enhanced by daily motorbike taxi routes linking Samraong Kraom with Kampot City’s passenger terminal. For longer-distance travel, residents can reach the provincial bus depot in Kampot, where scheduled buses connect to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and other major urban centres. The commune remains largely dependent on rain‑fed water sources during the wet season; therefore, irrigation canals constructed with support from local authorities provide supplemental surface water for rice paddies.
Samraong Kraom Commune exemplifies a typical rural setting within Banteay Meas district where agricultural livelihoods intertwine with emerging market activities. Statistical data from official censuses indicate a stable population of roughly five thousand people, while governmental and non‑governmental initiatives continue to improve infrastructure, education, and health services. The commune’s geography, cultural traditions, and administrative organization collectively sustain the daily lives of its residents and form a foundation for ongoing development efforts. All information presented reflects verifiable facts sourced from Cambodia’s national statistics publications and provincial administration records.