Ream National Park: Legal Status and Development Pressures
Ream National Park is a region where ecological preservation meets complex human interests. Because the park's natural resources can only support limited levels of exploitation, park authorities must constantly navigate the converging and diverging stakes of various groups and individuals. This tension between conservation and commercial utility is reflected in the evolving legal framework and development projects within the area.
Legal Framework and Land Management
In 2011, lawmakers implemented a "law update" specifically targeting Ream and other protected areas to clarify land usage. This update designated 84.5 hectares of the Ream National Park Zone as a community area located in the Ream commune, Prey Nub district of Preah Sihanouk province.
To maintain oversight of this community area, the law mandates that any issuance of land title certificates—legal documents proving land ownership—must receive prior approval from the Ministry of Environment in accordance with the Land Law.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Commercial Development and Tourism Projects
Despite its protected status, the region has seen significant interest from international investors. In 2016, Yeejia Tourism Development Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the Chinese-owned Unite International (Cambodia) Investment Group Co Ltd, entered into memoranda of understanding with over a dozen companies, primarily from China. These agreements were designed to develop and supply services for the Golden Silver Gulf resort project.
Further expanding this commercial footprint, Jimei International Entertainment Group Ltd, a gaming junket operator, filed a framework agreement with Yeejia on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This partnership aimed to create an entertainment resort complex featuring hotels, property, a golf course, a theme park, and other tourism-related businesses.
Development on Koh Thmei
The scope of development extends to Koh Thmei. Under Royal Government of Cambodia sub-Decree No. 150, dated November 2, 2018, more than 2,000 hectares of land on the island were designated as development zones. These zones are intended for the creation of recreational centres, entertainment hubs, and tourist facilities.
The development of these areas is led by HTTH Island Investment Co. and Celestial Stars Limited, a company specializing in casinos and lotteries, aiming to capitalize on the growth of Cambodia's coastal tourism sector.
Key Facts
- Community Area: 84.5 hectares of Ream National Park were designated as a community area in 2011.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Ministry of Environment must approve all land title certificates in the designated community area.
- Major Projects: The Golden Silver Gulf resort is a primary development project involving Yeejia Tourism Development Co Ltd.
- Koh Thmei Allocation: Over 2,000 hectares on Koh Thmei were earmarked for tourism and entertainment via sub-Decree No. 150 (2018).
- Key Investors: Development involves entities such as Unite International (Cambodia) Investment Group, Jimei International Entertainment Group, HTTH Island Investment Co., and Celestial Stars Limited.
| Year/Date | Action/Event | Key Entity/Location | Impact/Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Law Update | Ream Commune | 84.5 hectares designated as community area |
| 2016 | MOUs Signed | Yeejia Tourism Development | Planning for Golden Silver Gulf resort |
| Nov 2, 2018 | Sub-Decree No. 150 | Koh Thmei | 2,000+ hectares for tourist/entertainment zones |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must approve land titles in the Ream community area?
Any issuance of land title certificates within the 84.5-hectare community area requires prior approval from the Ministry of Environment to ensure compliance with the Land Law.
What is the Golden Silver Gulf resort project?
It is a development project led by Yeejia Tourism Development Co Ltd (a subsidiary of Unite International (Cambodia) Investment Group Co Ltd) involving multiple Chinese companies to provide services and infrastructure.
What facilities were planned for the Jimei International and Yeejia partnership?
The framework agreement aimed to develop an entertainment resort complex that includes a theme park, golf course, hotel, property, and other tourism businesses.
How much land on Koh Thmei was designated for development?
According to sub-Decree No. 150 of 2018, more than two thousand hectares of land on Koh Thmei were earmarked as development zones for recreational and tourist centres.
Which companies are developing the Koh Thmei zones?
The areas are being developed by HTTH Island Investment Co. and Celestial Stars Limited, a casino and lottery company.