SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia: A businessman leaves a smoky room US$1,500 poorer from a game of Baccarat at a casino in Sihanoukville - an increasingly common scene in the Cambodian beachtown as it becomes a honeypot for Chinese gamblers and investors at a pace worrying marginalised locals.

 

"It's not so bad if I lost tonight," said Dong Qiang, adding: "I will try my luck tomorrow."

 

The coastal capital of Preah Sihanouk province - named after Cambodia's revered late king - was once a sleepy fishing community before being claimed first by Western backpackers, and then wealthy Russians.

 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/cambodia-s-bid-to-be--new-macau--stirs-old-wounds-as-chinese-cash-in--11171852

A cautionary tale for expats fed up with Thailand and planning their move to Cambodia to avoid dirty air, expensive currency and Chinese tourists.

I went there for a nice xmas and new year. We came back after 4 nights. Its a dump. Dirt roads with big ruts. 4.5 hour scarey drive from phonm phen. My thai wife hated it as well. Chinese dont talk they shout. Never again

I'd been to Sihanoukville a dozen times before the Chinese invasion. And liked it.

 

I thought the Cambodians and Barangs were exaggerating about how the Chinese have taken it over, destroyed everything that was there before, and installed a lawless disorderly version of a Chinese society that is run by Chinese for Chinese.  

 

So I went again last year. And its true. I hated it.

 

At least in China there is a functioning government to keep the people under control. In Sihanoukville there isn't. And the Chinese are running riot.

7 hours ago, Pravda said:

A cautionary tale for expats fed up with Thailand and planning their move to Cambodia to avoid dirty air, expensive currency and Chinese tourists.

Siam Reap was fine last week.

I went with a friend about nine years ago and I have just seen a big collection of photos taken by a friend last month. Oh my god , the scale of the building going on is horrific!