In January 2009, King Norodom Sihamoni incorporated the district into Sihanoukville province per royal decree,[2] which states: "The administrative boundaries of Sihanoukville municipality and Koh Kong province shall be adjusted by sub-dividing land from Kampong Seila district in whole and partial land of Sre Ambel district in Koh Kong province to Sihanoukville municipality."

The Elephant Mountain range of uplifted Mesozoic substrates is an important watershed for the large Tonle Sap system in central Cambodia.

[5] Throughout the diamond-shaped province rolling hills are predominant and the area flattens towards the south where it almost touches the sea.

Kompong Seila's overwhelmingly rural population engages in rice farming, forestry, and subsidiary crop cultivation, such as gourds and cucumbers.

[9] While MRICOP frequently highlights economic advantages, others are concerned about the negative impact of monocultures on the local eco-system, dubious land concession practices, and demographic irritations.