Bangkok45

With you on the frustrations of living here , just feel like everything is stacked against you here I need to start up small business somewhere but crazy to try in Thailand. just managed to sell my last but no intention to put any more money into this place. I will start a new tread soon I get round to it to try get answers to this question:

Does Cambodia offer better conditions for small business startups? compared to Vietnam Loas or as someone mentioned Indonesia if any one can answer me that would be great

really need low cost of living till I can get my self on my feet . work opportunities and/ or favourable business conditions

Well, I can offer you advice for Vietnam as I have a business in Hanoi but in terms of living there...just not my kind of place same goes for Indonesia.

Getting a business of the ground in Vietnam was a pain if you choose to be in the hospitality business like me. As the property lease laws are crazy.

Other types of businesses are a breeze to start.

Visa no issues at all.

PM me and I'll give you details. I'm in Cambodia now and still looking for a house that can accommodate my fur babies.

wow thats a lot I guess you have a full house and need a big truck? I looking to find a pick up or maybe sell all I can and

buy new stuff.Well good luck and maybe see you there.I will move to Sihanoukville, lived there before and its not bad.

Good luck.

Wait out! Why don't we share a truck if its possible. Of course, I'll cover the majority cost.

I have 4 bedroom sets and lots of electronics stuff that you would not believe. I have all Mac computer collections... Don't judge I'm not a geek but a collector.

PM me I was planning on Siem Reap but my options are still open. Maybe you can guide me I need a house for my pack of fur babies.

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She had 2 previous TV (T2) but left for a few months after each one expires.

She is on her third TV (T2) issued in Vientiane and got the red stamped at Nongkhai border during entry.

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She left "after" each visa had expired? Or do you mean she left before they expired and stayed out of LOS for a few months after leaving?

Vientiane does issue red-stamps but I think there are anecdotal tales of Nong Khai Immigration also doing it?

After each expires and btw, she confirmed it was stamped by the Nongkhai Immigration and not the Embassy.

Thanks, mate:)

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The stamp you posted was from the embassy. I have seen many others like it that were done by the embassy. And the wording of the stamp says that a visa may not be issued in the future. A stamp from immigration would not say that because they have nothing to with visa issuance.

Duly noted, sir!

Thus what is your esteem opinion pertaining to her situation?

Wai

She had 2 previous TV (T2) but left for a few months after each one expires.

She is on her third TV (T2) issued in Vientiane and got the red stamped at Nongkhai border during entry.

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She left "after" each visa had expired? Or do you mean she left before they expired and stayed out of LOS for a few months after leaving?

Vientiane does issue red-stamps but I think there are anecdotal tales of Nong Khai Immigration also doing it?

After each expires and btw, she confirmed it was stamped by the Nongkhai Immigration and not the Embassy.

Thanks, mate:)

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Bangkok45 did you find a mover for your stuff? I still not decided yet but leaning more and more to move soon.

It's my biggest headache now...the movers Even my dogs issues are already arranged.

But the one that can do it wanted 100k baht! Its too much but when the time comes I am left with no choice.

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Thanks BKK45, but that looks to me (as unclear as it is) as one of these

index.jpg

And that is a stamp which the embassy attach when you have to many TR Visa's

Is it maybe possible to add a clearer Scan ??

I'll try and send it to you in PM.

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P.S. Moderator if you want to close this, ok with me

Please don't close it yet, as I am really anxious to see the Red Stamp from Bangkok45

Sorry for the delay. My internet connection is slow

Question where did she get that stamp, my guess it was at an Embassy, correct?

How many Visas did she already have in her passport?

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos

She had 2 previous TV (T2) but left for a few months after each one expires.

She is on her third TV (T2) issued in Vientiane and got the red stamped at Nongkhai border during entry.

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WOW that's a first that she got a Red stamp at the border, I thought it was at an Embassy.

Is it possible to post a scan of it ?

If she already has such a stamp, she could be denied entry and especially after August 12th.

I could be mistaken but that's what she told me.

Editing the photo and will put it up

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A friend has got the dreaded Red stamp in her passport stating that she is not a tourist.

She's on the second 60 days of her TV and hoping to get another 30 days extension.

Will she be denied entry via land/air?

Thanks

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Question where did she get that stamp, my guess it was at an Embassy, correct?

How many Visas did she already have in her passport?

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos

She had 2 previous TV (T2) but left for a few months after each one expires.

She is on her third TV (T2) issued in Vientiane and got the red stamped at Nongkhai border during entry.

Sent from my iris405+ using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

A friend has got the dreaded Red stamp in her passport stating that she is not a tourist.

She's on the second 60 days of her TV and hoping to get another 30 days extension.

Will she be denied entry via land/air?

Thanks

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Yes the casino bus to Po Pet still is in operation at Ngam Wong Wan next to Pantip Plaza. It leaves at 4.45 am.

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Tosh. I paid $50 to see a British (fully qualified) doctor in Phnom Penh. I pay $25 to see a fully qualified British doctor in Siem Reap. My dentistry here is about half the cost of Thailand and just as good... for minor stuff, Cambodia's fine. For major stuff - flee to Thailand as fast as your legs, car, helicopter, etc. will carry you.

Cambodia tends to have a bad reputation for local medical care, even at the larger facilities there including in PP.
 
Sheryl, our health forum moderator, seems very familiar with Cambodia medical stuff. And I've yet to see her offer a suggestion of anyplace there, as yet, that she'd feel comfortable referring people to.
 
I'm not looking to move. But really, local medical care in Cambodia remains the only one thing, from all the research I've done, that I haven't found a satisfactory answer to.
 

Thanks for the answer... Though, I also meant more basically, what if you need to see a doctor for some normal (non life threatening) treatment?
 
I'm assuming you don't get med-evacd for that? So what would you do for some treatment in-country?
 

Move to Cambodia at least you will have a chance at success, Thailand is far to complicated and restrictive to make money.

lived in Thailand for long time , so moved to Cambodia in 2008 an stayed 10 months an moved back to LOS.

thought about it again in 2012 and drove all over ( have made numerous trips in between) sr, pp, battambang, Kep, Kampot, Shv

After 3 months back to Phuket.

for me, i have gone thru the find out where everything is stage here and am happy with what have here, my friends and life style ( i love the beach here)

Have land in Kep & Svay Rieng (with my gf) but that's only when los really wears me down.

Don't let $$ enter into where you live. what is important is where your the most happy

AS to a business in Thailand , you can open an American company ( if your American or have a friend that is) No Thai's required to be shareholders.

ONLY thing different between a US company an Thai, is the us company can not own land

There are plenty of facebook pages on living in Cambodia an such, https://www.facebook.com/groups/siemreap/ ,

https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatscambo/

You can easily find a 2 bedroom house in SR for between $250-600, in pp very difficult as not as many homes but more apts ( Chinese style shop houses)

Shv $200-400 but the quality is far below what you get in Thailand

When I transplanted here after

retiring (2nd move) I had based it upon my fiscal calculations and goals in life.

Truthfully, I love it. Started with a mistake of signing a 2 year lease for a house in Bangkok. It expensive but affordable for then as a novice I made the cardinal mistake of always comparing the cost in relations to the SGD, USD and Euro. Thus everything appears cheap, and I only have 1 dog then.

1 year down the road my brood has grown to 3 and to facilitate this I moved to Isaan. Not that it was cheap but along with the house I rented are bounties of free land for my brood. It serves me well albeit a loss for keeping the Bangkok house due to the agreed lease.

But I rather appease myself than worry of fiscal loss.

The people are nice, respectful and welcoming. And I'm affectionately known as the 'Piu Dam Farang'.

Then the state of their hardships unfolds before my eyes. Still with visa issues that's a tedious chore, I just do not want to offer any opinions or help.

But an idea had formed. When I eventually got my (WP) visa, I put my idea to paper and set about starting a Social Enterprise to render the assistance within my means and expertise

But the idiocy of laws and bi-laws just took its toll and all the pent up frustrations I have overwhelms.

I have the luxury of time and age on my side, so rather than stay and be unhappy why shouldn't I leave and explore other options.

Cambodia is an immediate option. Fiscally, its within means and visa is not a full time chore.

I handle better with corruption or Junta rules with my eyes wide opened, than one with sleekly veiled motivations.

So Cambodia it is. Thank you for all rendered advises and tips.

I am truly indebted so Khmer would be the 3rd language I'll pick up after retiring.... Hahaha.

I already saw the bright side! Thanks guys.

Re. idiocy:

Re. Dogs: I bought my Dog (wolf like with beautiful eyes) in Cambodia

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos

My brood

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OP, if you have dogs you will not be able to rent an apartment, you will need to look for a house.

While Cambodian Visa rules are more lax, it is just as corrupt if not more.

Cambodia also has its own idiocy.

You also need to keep in mind, if you do get sick and do have health cover, you will actually be flown to Thailand. There is Bangkok Hospital in Phnom Phen, but anything serious and they fly you to Bangkok

Cambodia is much more foreigner friendly, but its not an easy place to live, it really is a 3rd world country in my opinion.

I am not too certain, but many people praise the life in Indonesia,, just a thought.

Noted. The apartment is just a temporary measure while I search for a suitable house when I'm there. Need space as I have a brood.

My girlfriend is flying in to LOS and takeover caring for them while I make the third big move since retiring 6 years ago.

The original plan was to finally call LOS home not only for fiscal reasons but truly loves the open spaces and tranquil settings.

But it was exhausting in LOS having to navigate visa issues was too much of a chore.

Business...I'll be damned! Thus had made up my mind for the charms of LOS are but a flickering existence now.

Anyway, lived in Jakarta for slightly more than 3 years while posted there working. Hmm...it was ok, but just not my kind of place to retire.

First base after retiring was Malaysia, a big mistake...hahaha, then to LOS hitherto, soon to be over.

Well, I'm only 46 thus still have the energy to make decisions as how to run my life. The way I choose...with prudence, of course.

Not dictated by the stupidity of the ruling power and always feel like living life being at their mercy. It negates the fact that I'm retired.

Thanks for your advise, really appreciate it

@Bangkok45

Before you pack your bags and move to Cambodia, 1st go there on a extended Holiday/ orientation. The reason being as many of my Friends and myself (lived in Cambodia for well over a Year) said "You either like it or you don't".

The best of luck whatever you decide.

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos

Thanks for the advise. I had indeed been to Cambodia for holiday twice.

Then again its different while there as tourist compared to staying put for a long time.

But I can't really stand the idiocy of subjecting myself at the whims and fancies of whoever is in power.

Complex business laws and bi-laws that's beyond sense it would make Stephen Hawking's 'A Brief History of Time' an easy read.

Supposedly, second biggest economy. Yet, all in charge of governing the nation managed to drive the economy to tatters.

Hahaha... Well, I'll live and let live. Thank you for your kind advise once again.

Lastly, anyone knows how can I bring my dogs over once I have settled down?

To get the right deal, you need to be here - apartments come and go pretty quick. Stay in a guesthouse for a few days and you'll work it out in no time.

Noted. Already started packing and searching online for movers for my stuff.

Cancel the WP and I'm off. Thanks again.

In addition to above, mention (at the border) that you want a business visa and not an ordinary Tourist visa, as TR visas are only (AFAIK) extendable for 1 Month and Business Visa are extendable for 1 Year.

If questioned why you want a Business Visa, just say: "I need some time in Cambodia to explore my possibilities to open a Business"

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos

1. There's no such thing as a business visa - it's an ordinary visa as opposed to a tourist visa.

2. No-one questions why you want one.

Thank you for the guidance, gentlemen.

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Simple; arrive in Cambodia pay $25 for an ordinary visa (plus possibly a tiny bribe of less than $5 if necessary) for one month. Extend at any travel agent for one year multiple entry for $285 (or thereabouts).

Live; anywhere like a Khmer in one room for $40-60/month (fan and possibly a hob), like a rich Khmer (1 bed flat with rubbish kitchen, fan and maybe a/c - electricity is expensive) for $150/month + bills. Pay more up to $2,000+ a month for better facilities and larger places. I pay $550 all in (including all bills etc.) for a Western style hotel apartment with maid service in Siem Reap. Phnom Penh is more expensive, Sihanoukville and the rest of the country is cheaper. As they say in Asia; "it's up to you".

Any recommendation as to the name of any Western type hotel apartment in the range you quoted?

As its a good deal compared to what I'm paying just for my house alone here.

Thank you.

Esteemed members,

I am currently on Non-O (WP) Volunteer's Visa in Thailand.

In all honesty, it was an option I took to stay legally during current times. Yes, I am contributing what was required as a volunteer.

4 years short of the retirement visa age. Thus had been exploiting TV's and visa exempt entries. All in all, had gone through my first passport and half the second hitherto.

Initially, I do not have any inclinations to work nor start a business in LOS but simply enjoyed living on a modest passive income from overseas.

But times are a changing now, so I finally made the decision to start a long had been incubated endeavour.

I had made an effort to start a Social Enterprise business in Agriculture.

Apart from the legalese of finance, all the other requirements and sub criteria are purely stupid. (IMO)

As averse to the idea of having Thai partners being the majority, I decide to abide by these 'protective' laws.

However, what happened today completely wipes out LOS appeal to me. I am just sickened by its nonsensical laws and ludicrous bi-laws.

After eventually, submitting to agree on appointing 5 Thais that will own 51% of the business. The onus was on me to finance all the paid capital. Then...

1. Ensure those appointed 5 appointed shareholders have enough money in their bank accounts.

2. Proves that the money has or had been in the account for at least the last 6 months, updated to the day of the business being registered.

3. Ensure those money were not rigged by me as it is illegal to do so.

I was forewarned that it would be scrutinized.

How in the name of Jesus, Dalai Lama and Superman can I do that?

Appointing 5 Thais to be on board the business with much reluctance are already tedious enough.

Ensuring the above would be beyond me.

I had it!!!

Thus, esteemed members do advice and guide me as to the do's and how's, in obtaining :

1. Business (O) Visa with yearly extension in country. As soon as, I set my foot on Cambodian soil.

2. Modest and safe place to live with average modern amenities such as WiFi and good plumbing.

I do not have a need for bars or clubs. Just an average house or a condo that's convenient enough.

I really need to get out of this Land of the Absurd and Lunacy.

Now with only splinters of charm left to savour for the rest of my life.

Btw, I hold 2 passport Singapore and UK.

Thank you.

Why is it going to take so long for her new passport? Earliest the end of September?

Does she have enough room in the passport to get to Vietnam?

Why was she red stamped on tourist visas?

1. Can't give an answer for that but it's an Eastern European nation and it was twice confirmed that the earliest is the last week of September.

2. 5 pages to be exact.

3. Beats me, but it was stamped in red stating: The holder of this passport travels to Thailand under A tourist visa several times (3rd TV to be exact) which result in the refusal of a visa in the future.

That's it.

Sorry, here is the image of the Red Stamp.

Looks more like a white stamp to me.

First rate school employing illegal labour and skirting Thailand's tax and social insurance contributions, some first rate ethics to be teaching their students.

Good to see the visa crackdown is having it's intended effect on illegal immigrants.

Had taken down the image on second thoughts.

Duly agree with your moral judgement of the school's ethics.

Nevertheless, help sought by a friend thus help rendered without judgement passed.

Have to disagree on the last statement. Can't elaborate in this topic though.

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Is your friend qualified to teach...does she the requisite education and training? If so, why not just return home for a few months and get her passport sorted out and then apply for a visa for Thailand as a teacher or one looking for such employment? Then all would be legal for her and she should have no problem finding a position. That would be the advice I would give her.

For financial reasons she forgoes a legit offer from one school that provides a (WP) and chose one that lure an extra 10k baht which subsequently, got her in this predicament.

She has made up her mind and decided to heed 96tehtarp's advise of waiting out her new passport and yours, to eventually apply for a job here through legit means.

In the meantime, she'll be teaching as a private tutor in Vietnam.

In fact, it pays a lot more there but she loves LOS

Thank you for the advise rendered.