"There are long stay foreigners who can't afford Thailand with the costs required for retirement extensions etc down there,"
Long stay in Cambodia $300/year no money in bank
long stay in Thailand ( Pattaya) 12,500 baht ( $367) no money in bank thru an agent
I spent 16 months ( June 2022-nov 2023) in Kep>
I am far happier in Phuket and as most things in Cambodia are more expensive its cheaper
To each their own