Srae Chea Khang Tboung Commune | Kampot Province
Srae Chea Khang Tboung Commune is a sub‑administrative unit located in Dang Tong District of Kampot Province, Cambodia. It forms part of the hierarchical structure of local government that includes provinces, districts and communes, each responsible for coordinating public services and development projects within their jurisdiction.
Geographical location
The commune covers an area of roughly 14 square kilometres and is situated approximately eight kilometers north‑west of the provincial capital, Kampot city. Its boundaries are defined by neighboring communes such as Prea Sdach, Damnak, and Ou Chheu. The terrain consists mainly of low‑lying plains that flood during the monsoon season, while higher ground in the south supports drier agricultural fields.
Historical background
Srae Chea Khang Tboung was established historically by Khmer settlers who cultivated rice paddies along the nearby streams. Administrative records from the early 20th century indicate that the area functioned primarily as a rural community engaged in subsistence farming and small‑scale trade. In recent decades, decentralisation policies introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development have incorporated the commune into the national framework for provincial administration.
Demographic profile
According to the most recent population census released by the National Institute of Statistics, Srae Chea Khang Tboung has an estimated 5,200 residents. The population is composed predominantly of ethnic Khmer who speak the Central Khmer dialect, with a small minority of Vietnamese and Chinese families residing in the central settlement. Age distribution shows that about 31 percent are under fifteen years old, reflecting a youthful demographic typical of many rural Cambodian communes.
Economy and livelihood
The local economy relies chiefly on agriculture, especially rice cultivation which occupies more than sixty percent of cultivated land. Secondary activities include the production of corn, vegetables, and fruit trees such as mangoes and longanes. Small‑scale livestock raising, particularly chickens and water buffalo, supplements household incomes. In recent years, some families have diversified into poultry processing and market gardening for urban consumers in Kampot city.
Infrastructure and services
Srae Chea Khang Tboung is served by a network of paved earth roads that connect it to the district centre of Dang Tong. Public utilities such as electricity supply from the national grid have reached most households, while water distribution relies on communal wells and piped systems established during the 2015 rural electrification program. The commune maintains a health post staffed by a nurse who provides basic medical care, and primary education is facilitated by two government‑run schools that enroll children up to grade six.
Governance and Administration
The administration of Srae Chea Khang Tboung follows the structure prescribed by the Commune Administration Law. The commune chief, elected by local residents for a term of five years, oversees coordination among various committees responsible for education, health, economic development and public safety. These committees work in conjunction with district officials to implement provincial policies related to infrastructure improvement and poverty reduction.
Cultural aspects
Residents celebrate the Khmer New Year through traditional ceremonies that involve temple visits, communal feasts and folk performances such as the lion dance. Religious observances are centred around Wat Preah Ang Thom, a modest Buddhist temple located near the central market area. Throughout the year, village festivals showcase local crafts, hand‑woven textiles and rice‑based dishes that reflect centuries-old agricultural practices.
Srae Chea Khang Tboung Commune exemplifies the characteristics of rural communes in Kampot Province: a modest population dependent on agriculture, gradual improvements in basic infrastructure, and an administrative structure aimed at fostering sustainable development. Ongoing initiatives led by local authorities and external partners focus on enhancing access to education, diversifying economic activities, and preserving cultural heritage while addressing challenges associated with seasonal flooding and demographic growth.