Koh Thmei ("New Island", Khmer: កោះថ្មី, former French name: Ile du Milieu), is an island of Cambodia, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, immediately south-east of the Sihanoukville headland. Although clearly inside the protected area of Ream National Park, a number of development companies have obtained long lasting land-lease concessions since 2010. Announced were large-scale plans, including a bridge to the mainland. By August 2014 the island hasn't yet undergone any alterations. In early 2018, development hastened on the island, partly prompted by the launch of the Golden Silver Gulf Tourism Zone project, which encompasses 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. A small farming settlement, featuring Koh Thmei Eco Adventure Resort sits on the western coast. There is also 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