Trapeang Bei Commune | Kampot Province
Location and geographic
Trapeang Bei Commune is situated in Chhouk District of Kampot Province, southwestern Cambodia. It occupies roughly 18 square kilometers of predominantly flat terrain that lies within the floodplain of the Teuk Chrum River. The commune borders Chhouk Commune to the north, Prey Srae Commune to the east, and the village of Koh Khel to the south, providing easy access to secondary roads that link it with National Route 2 and provincial highways.
Population overview
According to the most recent data released by Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning in 2023, the resident population of Trapeang Bei is estimated at 5,978 individuals. Households are largely headed by middle‑aged adults; children under fifteen constitute about 31 % of the total while persons aged sixty-five and older make up roughly 10 %. The demographic profile reflects a typical rural community with modest natural increase.
Economic activities
Agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy. Paddy rice cultivation occupies approximately 62 % of cultivated land, supplemented by secondary crops such as corn, cassava, and assorted vegetables grown in intercropping systems. Small‑scale livestock rearing—particularly chickens, ducks, and water buffalo—complements farm incomes. Seasonal labor migration to Kampot City and neighboring industrial zones provides additional earnings for many households.
Infrastructure and public services
The commune is served by paved secondary roads that connect its main villages with major provincial arteries. A primary school offering education up to grade six operates in the central village area, enrolling about 1,200 pupils across several classrooms. A health center staffed by a qualified nurse provides basic medical care, including maternal‑child services and vaccinations; more specialized treatment requires travel to Kampot Provincial Hospital.
Historical development
Trapeang Bei’s settlement dates back to the early twentieth century when pioneering families cleared forested land to pursue subsistence farming. During the 1960s the commune participated in national irrigation schemes that introduced canals feeding into the Teuk Chrum tributary, boosting agricultural yields and spurring modest population growth. Following conflict periods of the late 1970s the community rebuilt with assistance from local NGOs focused on restoring farmland productivity.
Cultural life and community institutions
Religious observance is central to daily life; Theravada Buddhist temples host weekly ceremonies that attract villagers for merit‑making activities. Seasonal festivals celebrating rice harvest cycles feature traditional music, dance, and communal feasts that reinforce social cohesion. The commune organises cooperative groups responsible for maintenance of communal infrastructure, such as well heads and irrigation gate mechanisms.
Current development initiatives
Since 2019 a pilot drip‑irrigation project has been introduced in the northern fields of Trapeang Bei, receiving technical support from an international agricultural agency to improve water use efficiency during dry seasons. In addition, the Commune Council submitted applications for national rural electrification funding aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity service across residential and commercial zones. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance livelihood security while preserving traditional farming practices.
Trapeang Bei Commune represents an agrarian community within Chhouk District characterized by fertile floodplain geography, steady population growth, diversified crop production, essential education and health services, historical resilience after societal upheavals, vibrant cultural rituals tied to seasonal cycles, and active engagement in modern development projects. The factual profile underscores the commune’s contribution to regional agricultural output and its ongoing efforts toward sustainable improvement of living standards.