Living in Cambodia

Cambodia - Gaining at Thailand's Loss?

Almost daily, someone on the popular Thailand forums announces a move from Thailand to Cambodia. The reasons vary, and the recent political stalemate (December 2008) in Thailand seems to have accelerated the trickle of expats headed for friendlier places.

"Friendlier" seems to be one of the more common reasons. Visa regulations are friendlier. Prices are friendlier, and the people are said to be friendlier.

Map of Cambodia

Some of the people friendliness could well be from those not yet jaded like some Thais exposed to millions of tourists and hundreds of thousands of expats. Then there is the younger population factor. So many were executed by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970's that Cambodia is, indeed, one of the younger countries in Southeast Asia.

Expats tout the ease of getting a one-year visa. Basically, it's less than US$ 300 through an agency. Thailand requires a more complex process with substantial bank deposit or certified income of Bt 65,000. Add the quarterly reporting to immigration and it can become inconvenient.

Cambodia seems less strict about business startups as well. That allows expats to start up and run a variety of businesses without running afoul of laws. Work permits are not required .. yet.

While Cambodia's coastline cannot really rival that of Thailand, Sihanoukville aka "Snooky" is a popular expat location. At least for now, the water is cleaner than in Thailand.

The Khmer are touted as being basically friendlier than their Thai counterparts. They seem to be poorer, yet are basically a happy people, especially in the countryside. Expats say that Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh is friendlier and safer than Thailand.

A law in the works will allow "Barongs" aka white foreigners to own up to 49% of condominium complexes .. much the same as Thailand. The bad news, there are very few available right now. Land cannot be owned by foreigners but 99 year leases are apparently legal.

But as all things in life, there are downsides to living in Cambodia (working on it)