Koh Thmei

Geography

Koh Thmei and neighboring island Koh Seh comprise the eastern third of the Ream National Park, situated in the South-East corner of Prey Nob District, Sihanoukville province. At the narrowest point, due west, the island is a mere 300 meters off the mainland. Yet all transports arrives via the Prek Toek Sap estuary from Koh K'chhang fishing village to the north, a distance of around 3 km. Roughly pentagonal shaped with four sides of similar length, a shorter and rugged fifth side in the South, the inner coastline is dominated by extensive mangrove marshes. Along the sea-facing coast, sizable beaches can be found, littered with shells, the sands of rather coarse composition. Still, due to the unspoiled, pristine state, dense, lush and primeval vegetation, its general remoteness and very sparse population, Koh Thmei is considered one of the most ecologically esteemed Cambodian islands among its visitors. The island's center is roughly the highest point with two main peaks, separated by a river {Prek Koh Krabei}. The peaks rise to over 100 meters and drain in all directions, lending Koh Thmei the shape of a gentle mountain. The island's moderate elevation enables it to retain enough water for a few little rivers, creeks and estuaries.

Settlements and infrastructure

Unsurprisingly for an island inside a national park, human settlements are few and population numbers low. Taly Village sits at the south-eastern coast, Chong Thmei Village - the biggest settlement - lies in the North-East and the island's only Bungalow resort in the West. There is a weather station at Chong Thmei. Dirt - or sealed roads and regular motor vehicles do not exist, transport hubs are local boat piers.

Legal status of the national park

A wide range of groups and individuals have converging and diverging interests or stakes in the park’s resources. Park authorities have to deal daily with all stakeholders. Consensus is not always possible since the resources of the park can only support limited levels of exploitation. Stakeholders are: Local communities, Commercial loggers, Police, The Navy, Ministry of Environment,Rangers, United Nations Development Programme, Land Speculators, Commercial Fishermen and tourists. Dubious land-lease concessions had mostly emerged from our around these groups of people. The subsequent hype gained momentum until dealings in highest circles of government were reported. In 2011 lawmakers issued a "law update" on Ream and other protected areas, stating: "The land area of 84.5 hectares of the “Ream” National Park Zone shall be determined as a community area located in Ream commune, Prey Nub district of Preah Sihanouk province. Any issuance of land title certificate in this community area shall be required to obtain a prior approval from the Ministry of Environment in compliance with the Land Law."

Wildlife

While Koh Thmei is part of, constitutes and contributes to the local eco-system, literally all sources first highlight the exceptional high number of bird species on the island.

Hanuman travel: best for bird-watching - It’s a useful place to base yourself if you’re interested in sighting some of the island’s 155 bird species, including the endangered brahminy kite.

Travelfish: Koh Thmei is the habitat of many types of interesting wildlife, particularly birds. Over 150 types of birds make their home in the park and a trip to the island offers ample bird-watching opportunities.

CNN: Located inside Ream National Park, Koh Thmei is home to monkeys, civets, lizards, more than 100 different species of birds and several threatened species, including the fishing cat, a wetland feline than makes its home near streams and mangrove forests.