Another bum bites the dust

[Nyezhov]

hey So this will give you guys an opportunity to debate endlessly whatever you want as to which one is better, but for my Snowbird lifestyle, I'm heading back to Bangkok shortly from Cambodia and I'm going to pack up my condo and come back over to siem reap.

where I am working on right now renting a cool condo, getting the lay of the land, etc. My decision is primarily based on the fact that if Thailand wants me to give them 25,000 US dollars and stand in line every 90 days for the privilege of staying there, that's fine, but give me some clean air in return. Oops, can't do that? well sucks to be you then you cuz I'll then take that 25 grand and spend it over here. No big deal, I love you Thailand, let me know when you can keep the air clean. Who wait,  even better I can fly there once a weekend for 65 bucks each way and make a total fool of myself anytime I want because I'm an old American with a Cambodian retirement visa and you can't stop me. Hahaha. 

for what it's worth, based on what I'm seeing, and I'm digging right into the nitty-gritty of the area, there's a lot of people leaving Thailand and come here. And I think a lot of those people are relatively like normal retirees or working folks as opposed to island hopping dope-smoking freakazoids.

[Jip99]

Good luck.

 

 

I have spent a lot of time in Siem Reap (without actually living there).

 

Probably visited 40 times in the last 10 years.

 

Whilst Siem Reap is arguably not representative of Cambodia, it's cosmopolitan nature makes it very welcoming - as does the Cambodian smile, which is far more genuine than Thailand.

 

It appears more welcoming too long-stayers and whilst immigration are corrupt, they are easy to deal with and put few obstacles in your way.

 

The main benefits are food, drink and sex. Whilst the latter is no tas readily available as many parts of Thailand the Cambodian girls are gorgeous. For food and drnk you are on a winner - a vast range of cuisines from cheap ($1 a plate to fine dining), all without the tax burden that Thailand carries.

 

Last week I bought 2 x 1 litre bottles of Tanquerray gin for $26, very decent wines can be had for 300 Baht and less. An excellent meal at Olive cost $20.

 

 

Enjoy.

[lemonjelly]

Many of the elite are perpetuating xenophobic attitudes as the majority of aliens don’t always play the groveling game to the Thai upper class which I think could be influencing immigration dept policy. Now that the Royal Institution feels more threatened than it has for a while, ultranationalist loonies (hospital director whassaname) are rearing their heads. Sad times indeed.

[saakura]

Bye

[Nyezhov]

15 minutes ago, saakura said:

Bye

Take care. See you soon. 

[DannyCarlton]

Did you spend any time in Phnom Penh and if so what decided you on Seam Reap over Phnom Penh?

 

Also, how much for a tourist visa on entry now? 15 USD lasdt time I went but thinking of going back next week.

 

If you have any time left in Seam Reap, ask a tuk tuk to take you to Top Town one evening.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Hard to argue with the OP's rationale...

 

Everyone has their personal tipping point/tolerance level. And the current regime seems devoted to pushing as many of us as possible past our individual points in all variety of ways.

 

However, whether SR and Cambodia in general are preferable alternatives to Thailand seems to be a topic of considerable debate. And likewise as to whether Cambodia can be a viable long-term residence option especially for Americans, given the government there and its current disposition.

 

Edited January 23, 2020 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Nyezhov said:

I'm heading back to Bangkok shortly from Cambodia and I'm going to pack up my condo and come back over to siem reap.

Weather in Siem Reap is about the best it gets at the moment.

My pals over there say it's hotter than hell and twice as humid in the summer months, so they all live in Phnom Penh.

I don't think I could manage SR all year round.

 

How about a few photos?

PS Lots of single local girls sitting nursing a 50c beer in Molly Malones Irish bar of an evening. 

Edited January 23, 2020 by BritManToo

[BritManToo]

39 minutes ago, Jip99 said:

The main benefits are food, drink and sex. Whilst the latter is no tas readily available as many parts of Thailand

You're joking right?

[DannyCarlton]

13 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You're joking right?

Can't argue with the drink and sex but Thailand has it anywhere in SE Asia for food.

[scubascuba3]

When your options run out in Thailand then yes maybe Cambodia next

[DannyCarlton]

14 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

When your options run out in Thailand then yes maybe Cambodia next

Not many costal resorts in Cambodia. Vietnam probably has the edge now.

[Jip99]

55 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You're joking right?

 

 

No

[NanLaew]

2 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

hey So this will give you guys an opportunity to debate endlessly whatever you want as to which one is better, but for my Snowbird lifestyle, I'm heading back to Bangkok shortly from Cambodia and I'm going to pack up my condo and come back over to siem reap.

where I am working on right now renting a cool condo, getting the lay of the land, etc. My decision is primarily based on the fact that if Thailand wants me to give them 25,000 US dollars and stand in line every 90 days for the privilege of staying there, that's fine, but give me some clean air in return. Oops, can't do that? well sucks to be you then you cuz I'll then take that 25 grand and spend it over here. No big deal, I love you Thailand, let me know when you can keep the air clean. Who wait,  even better I can fly there once a weekend for 65 bucks each way and make a total fool of myself anytime I want because I'm an old American with a Cambodian retirement visa and you can't stop me. Hahaha. 

for what it's worth, based on what I'm seeing, and I'm digging right into the nitty-gritty of the area, there's a lot of people leaving Thailand and come here. And I think a lot of those people are relatively like normal retirees or working folks as opposed to island hopping dope-smoking freakazoids.

So all the creepy pedo's have either been caught or have moved on? Good to know.

 

We'll miss (most of) your contributions here at TV.

 

Good luck.

[Jip99]

56 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

Can't argue with the drink and sex but Thailand has it anywhere in SE Asia for food.

 

 

Not where price and variety is concerned. Good quality food at sensible prices - I don't mean Cambodian food, that is fairly <deleted> IMO but I am not a big fan of Thai dishes either although the quality is better.

[NanLaew]

1 hour ago, lemonjelly said:

Many of the elite are perpetuating xenophobic attitudes as the majority of aliens don’t always play the groveling game to the Thai upper class which I think could be influencing immigration dept policy. Now that the Royal Institution feels more threatened than it has for a while, ultranationalist loonies (hospital director whassaname) are rearing their heads. Sad times indeed.

Astute observations. If one's choice of foreign nirvana is in any way influenced or shaded by the politics of that place, then giving up the pseudo-dictatorship of your current abode for a bare-faced, shameless and absolute one over there is entirely up to you.

 

Some people dig Laos or Myanmar too.

[simon43]

Some people dig Laos or Myanmar too.

 

Yep, that's me.  Lived in Myanmar for 5 years and loved it.  Lived in Laos for 1 year, loved it and now I'm back again in Laos for the long-term.

 

I can't change the politics of the country and I'm too old to even be bothered....

[Saltire]

Tip: Forget the overpriced, noisy, full of freakazoid Pub Street and take a $2 ride to Khmer Pub Street. You are likely to be the only farang, sorry, barang in any of the many beer gardens. Invite your driver in for a few beers and he will probably be a very useful interpreter ???? as well as get you home.

 

Lived in Siem Reap for 5 years before coming here 3 years ago. It is now my plan B.

 

Enjoy

 

 

 

[holy cow cm]

Yes but you can always come back under your own decision if you like. Doesn't mean the door is closed, well at least not yet.. Siem Reap is a fun city for sure. And you have Anchor Watt as your playground if you wan it, and it is really of true age not like in CM where they say that all of the wall is the original outlay from the past but I have heard contrary as the actual wall for some places was in a different area.. And you also have Phnom Penh. Have fun.

[NanLaew]

6 minutes ago, simon43 said:

 

 

 

Yep, that's me.  Lived in Myanmar for 5 years and loved it.  Lived in Laos for 1 year, loved it and now I'm back again in Laos for the long-term.

 

I can't change the politics of the country and I'm too old to even be bothered....

Glowing example of both of being a xenophile and excellent timing!

 

I think beyond the real worries of nebulous Thai immigration law enforcement, closer scrutiny and higher financial barriers to staying here long time, there's no denying that the political climate is the elephant in the room. If one senses political and social upheaval will prevail in your Thai-life, then seeking more stable alternatives isn't a dumb move even if said stability does come from some form of military-supported dictatorship, army-appointed legislature or a plain old socialist government with all their warts.

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, Jip99 said:

Not where price and variety is concerned. Good quality food at sensible prices - I don't mean Cambodian food, that is fairly <deleted> IMO but I am not a big fan of Thai dishes either although the quality is better.

I thought the Cambodian food almost the same as Thai food.

More coconut milk and peanuts, less chillis and MSG.

I actually prefer the Cambodian versions.

 

Does anyone here like fried chicken feet and boiled, sliced pig intestine?

Edited January 23, 2020 by BritManToo

[Rimmer]

A troll post/flame has been removed

[SteveK]

I wouldn't touch Cambodian food with someone else's bargepole. I think it's awful. Luckily, it's very easy to find great western food in SR, they seem to know how to make a decent pizza (i.e. no mayonnaise or ketchup like in Thailand). Pretty tasty burgers too, all for a couple of bucks. Plus 50c beer is such a massive draw, although I suspect that I might overdo it because of that.

 

Looking at rental rates and general cost of living, I think it's cheaper than a small Isaan village, and that is pretty amazing. Just cannot be arsed with trying to learn yet another blooming language though, what a major hassle. Will wait until immigration make it so that I have no choice but to jump ship.

Edited January 23, 2020 by SteveK

[BritManToo]

14 minutes ago, SteveK said:

I wouldn't touch Cambodian food with someone else's bargepole. I think it's awful. Luckily, it's very easy to find great western food in SR, they seem to know how to make a decent pizza (i.e. no mayonnaise or ketchup like in Thailand). Pretty tasty burgers too, all for a couple of bucks. Plus 50c beer is such a massive draw, although I suspect that I might overdo it because of that.

Don't forger all the Great Indian Restaurants, Chicken Vindaloo + Naan bread for around $5.

One night I went local and overspent with an Amok Chicken Curry ($4.50) and Sex on the beach ($2)

 

Edited January 23, 2020 by BritManToo

[Lacessit]

Oh no, what am I going to do without my regular horrified fascination with the Nyezhov train wrecks? Will you still regale us with your florid tales of derring-do? I am going to feel so deprived, unless you post from Siem Reap.

BTW, have you checked out if the city has dumpsters?

[BRUFC]

I've only been a member on T.V since last August but I read items of interest (to me) every day. From the O.P's previous posts that I have read it seems he's lived in many places and travelled to many more, so he knows what he likes. Although my original Plan A has been blown out of the water (useless insurance) my new Plan A actually involves staying in Thailand (but with a different visa). I haven't yet reached my tipping point here, I hope I never do.

My Plan B stays as it was and, once further ideas/opinions/ reviews etc. come in for Siem Reap I'll research and maybe produce a strong Plan C.

[Nyezhov]

All right I really didn't want to get into the debate but let me disjointedly respond to a few points.

 

I have no problem getting sex anywhere in southeast Asia if I care one whit about needing some to do it.  I've already been to Khmer pub Street and it is totally cool. I have no problem traveling to Bangkok for weekend of debauchery anytime I want. I make friends very easily, and here the expat world is simple. Your total dope-smoking freakazoids that never had a job in their lives, and the rest of us who know what the hell we're doing even if our lifestyle is from the 60s. But we are retired or have jobs  oor money. you want to do a side hustle, then just get the right visa for it. Expense wise, rent is surely cheaper. Basically, I've got a approximately 125 square meter two balcony apartment in an elevator building that is deserted most of the time, with a covered swimming pool, modern appliances and the like. I'm approximately 700 m from all the action, which means pub Street and suk son road which is less touristy expat section. I can hire anybody I want to do anything I want in terms of getting me stuff taking me all over the place or really whatever I feel like four or five bucks an hour if I even need to do that. You can go anywhere you want in the city for a dollar. 24/7. I tip of course, and these people get excited over a quarter for god's sakes.. personally there are so many photo opportunities that I will keep busy for months. not even considering about chasing tourist girls because I have one of the fanciest condos in town. finally, and I'm sorry to upset of the American haters, but I have had some pretty deep conversations with some Cambodian people, and they are not stupid. Basically, the impression I get is in terms of the way Cambodia views the world, other than despising the Vietnamese and hating their own government, is that the west and America give them money, and the Chinese steal it from them. You make of that as you will. But when folks hear I am American, they bend over backwards for me. It's basically like Thailand used to be 15-20 years ago. And I'm sorry, you can be cynical and say yeah, it's because you tip, but my bar bill in Cambodia would feed a family of four for a month, so I don't begrudge anybody in the world 50 cents. so with that, I look forward to reading your responses. the internet for me right now isn't that good, although it's because of the system I'm using.

[SteveK]

BritMan knows what he is talking about, and if they have $5 chicken vindaloo with naan then I think I need to go for a quick getaway. It's about a 6 hour drive for me from here. Not sure how to explain to the wife that I want to go there, though, she shrivels her nose up and the mere mention of Cambodia. Maybe if I tell her it's for a job interview she will approve because she will assume some extra money is coming her way. Sounds like a winner.

[Lacessit]

3 minutes ago, SteveK said:

BritMan knows what he is talking about, and if they have $5 chicken vindaloo with naan then I think I need to go for a quick getaway. It's about a 6 hour drive for me from here. Not sure how to explain to the wife that I want to go there, though, she shrivels her nose up and the mere mention of Cambodia. Maybe if I tell her it's for a job interview she will approve because she will assume some extra money is coming her way. Sounds like a winner.

Just make sure she doesn't see you packing any condoms.

[Nyezhov]

O an regarding those disgusting Kiddy Diddlers that's not a scene I'm surely going to inform myself about, all I can say is, the word is among normal people that I know occasion do you talk to, approach, take pictures of, or have anything to do with kids here. supposedly that's the scam, you see a cute kid and you're a single guy and you take a picture and they put the cuffs on you. So basically the bottom line is for normal human beings, watch yourself. And they have fake IDs too. so I guess if I want to go dancing with a beautiful young lady, I'll go down to mix in Bangkok once a month. Plus, since I now have the fanciest condo in town, and my condo girls got no problem with my scheming, if anybody wants a nice condo during high season when I'm out screaming in Bangkok, I'll cut you a deal ????????????????