Would you ever seriously think about moving to Cambodia or Laos?

[kingofthemountain]

13 hours ago, swissie said:

After 11 pages, we might as well "take inventory". If we put all the pro's and con's into a basket and shake it, what comes out? Thailand is still a very desirable place to be for Expats (if not number 1).

- Main complaint: Thai Visa hassle. Remedy: Use an agent that has been in business for 15 years or more. They will even do your 90 day reports for you. Annual cost: Around US$ 400. Problem solved.

 

A general observation: So called 3rd world countries have tightened Long-Term Visa Legislation. (or are in the process of doing so). Clearly favouring Expats with a solid financial background. This is a global trend and will not be reversed and is not limited to Thailand.

Will the Thais throw out all the Expats some fine day? Of course not! But the effort to "contain" the "foreign-influence" is clearly visible. (Tourists yes, long term residents rather not so). To softly push Expats in the direction of a revised form of an "Elite-Visa" is likely.
 
The much cited "Plan B":

- Most Expats fit the "old age bracket". To move to Cambodia/Laos/Philippines etc at this age is adventurous to say the least and it may turn out as their last "great life experience". = Receiving 2 Aspirins after having suffered a seizure at the nearest "Hospital". Welcome to "Stone-Age-Medicine". Is that scenario part of everyones "Plan B"?

Pretty well summarized

[lazygourmet]

23 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Easy visa?

Green pepper crab

[Leaver]

11 hours ago, mikebike said:

In my experience, people seldom change their personalities at retirement age...

 

In my experience, people often change their personalities after being fleeced in Thailand.  ????

[Leaver]

7 hours ago, Henryford said:

 

No i wouldn't. The Thai baht is too strong (43 compared to 71 when i came here). The political situation is too risky.

 

True.

 

It's not looking too promising for people who are aspiring to retire to Thailand in the future.  

[KhaoYai]

Laos - no, I wasn't impressed on the two trips I made there around a decade ago. Cambodia - not spent enough time to comment. Have to say though, that I had a very short break in Vietnam last year and it wetted my appetite to see more.

[BritManToo]

On 4/3/2021 at 7:18 PM, Leaver said:

They came here with some money in their pocket and expecting a pleasant retirement.  They broke the simply, but goldens rules, and ended up broke, now drinking their days away in the cheapest bars they can find.   

To me, a pleasant retirement is drinking my days away, drinking at home is cheaper than the cheapest bars. What else can you do in your 60s? COVID stopped all my travelling.

Edited April 5, 2021 by BritManToo

[EricTh]

On 3/26/2021 at 7:57 PM, polpott said:

35 Ringgit last time I was in Bukit Bintang.  Had several unpleasant experiences with the native Malay too. Would never set foot in the place again.

Do tell us what the unpleasant experiences are , so we can make better choices.

 

[polpott]

Just now, EricTh said:

Do tell us what the unpleasant experiences are , so we can make better choices.

 

 

[EricTh]

On 3/26/2021 at 8:57 PM, polpott said:

Sorry to bore other posters but I was asked.

 

Sat waiting for a train at KL station. Talking to a young couple and as soon as I told them that I was English they turned away and blanked me.

 

On arriving at the rail station in JB, went to the information desk and asked directions to the city centre. Gave me a convoluted set of instructions and walked miles without success. After asking several people I ended up at my start point and it turned out that "City Centre" was the name of the shopping mall through a set of double doors from the information desk.
 

Went to the bus depot in Georgetown. Asked the young guy in the ticket office which was the bus to Batu Ferrhingi. Never looked up from his newspaper and pointed in the general direction of several buses. Asked again only to get the same response

 

I could go on. Found the native Malays to be ignorant, unhelpful and generally unpleasant, Chinese Malays absolutely the opposite, lovely people.

 

I've stayed in several moslem countries, never found one where I warmed to the locals.

 

The convoluted response also exist in Thailand due to language problem, not many people know what 'city center' means. Thai may think it means 'Central Festival' - another shopping mall so I don't consider this to be a problem.

 

I am surprised you didn't mention the 'Muslim call for prayer' that blast their speakers at 5 am in the morning when most people are still sleeping. They would blast their speakers 5 times per day so even the afternoon naps are broken.

 

I used to stay at a hotel in Thailand that has a mosque nearby. I don't know why they don't use alarm clocks nowadays instead of waking up the whole neighbourhood.

 

[polpott]

Just now, EricTh said:

 

The convoluted response also exist in Thailand due to language problem, not many people know what 'city center' means. Thai may think it means 'Central Festival' - another shopping mall so I don't consider this to be a problem.

 

I am surprised you didn't mention the 'Muslim call for prayer' that blast their speakers at 5 am in the morning when most people are still sleeping. They would blast their speakers 5 times per day so even the afternoon naps are broken.

 

I used to stay at a hotel in Thailand that has a mosque nearby. I don't know why they don't use alarm clocks nowadays instead of waking up the whole neighbourhood.

 

I live between 2 mosques in Pattaya. Having lived in a moslem country before, it doesn't bother me. I have no antipathy to moslems per se, I just find their attitude to non moslems "difficult". Also some of their traditions can be off putting, eg. No pork, no alcohol. A bacon sarnie and a pint are a couple of my favourite indulgencies. Don't get me on to the lack of alcohol in JB, a major pain.

[Leaver]

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

To me, a pleasant retirement is drinking my days away, drinking at home is cheaper than the cheapest bars. What else can you do in your 60s? COVID stopped all my travelling.

 

Well, covid aside, there's some domestic and regional travel.  Trying scenic bars and restaurants.  Trying new cuisines, Pattaya has food from all around the word.  Playing some sports like golf, tennis, water sports etc.  Taking up some exercise.  Joining social clubs including darts and pool comps.  Learning the language.  Self education in something that interests you. Eg. photographic, computers etc. 

 

There are many enjoyable things to do to keep active in retirement. 

 

Giving all your money to a Thai girl, and seeing it distributed to the Thai family in Issan, then seeing her walk out the door and looking for the next victim does not make for a nice retirement, yet, it continues to happen.   

[sydneyjed]

On 3/26/2021 at 4:21 PM, BritManToo said:

I'm not exactly god's gift (old, bald, fat), yet I'm beating them off with a poopy stick.

????

[The Hammer2021]

On 3/29/2021 at 11:55 AM, vandeventer said:

Yes the Thermae was great in the 60's as well. I remember the girls were your escort 24/7 for 100 baht a day in those days. And in those days life was more simple. Going to the zoo or the monkey temples was such a nice day.

Indeed. The Thermae lasted as a great place until the 90s killed of by the late night party drug scene plus changes in policing.

[The Hammer2021]

On 4/5/2021 at 4:06 PM, Leaver said:

 

Well, covid aside, there's some domestic and regional travel.  Trying scenic bars and restaurants.  Trying new cuisines, Pattaya has food from all around the word.  Playing some sports like golf, tennis, water sports etc.  Taking up some exercise.  Joining social clubs including darts and pool comps.  Learning the language.  Self education in something that interests you. Eg. photographic, computers etc. 

 

There are many enjoyable things to do to keep active in retirement. 

 

Giving all your money to a Thai girl, and seeing it distributed to the Thai family in Issan, then seeing her walk out the door and looking for the next victim does not make for a nice retirement, yet, it continues to happen.   

A fool and his money are soon parted

[The Hammer2021]

On 4/5/2021 at 1:38 PM, polpott said:

I live between 2 mosques in Pattaya. Having lived in a moslem country before, it doesn't bother me. I have no antipathy to moslems per se, I just find their attitude to non moslems "difficult". Also some of their traditions can be off putting, eg. No pork, no alcohol. A bacon sarnie and a pint are a couple of my favourite indulgencies. Don't get me on to the lack of alcohol in JB, a major pain.

JB?

[The Hammer2021]

On 4/4/2021 at 4:52 PM, Leaver said:

 

In my experience, people often change their personalities after being fleeced in Thailand.  ????

You have to be deaf, dumb, blind and gullible to be fleeced here usually. There are some notable exceptions one of whom I met in 30 years. The rest really were very uneducated or very weak minded and needy and some lacking in selfawareness. Many of them were not very nice people. 99.999% of people visiting  here do not get fleeced. Currently because of covid people are clamoring to get here

[polpott]

Just now, The Hammer2021 said:

JB?

Jahor Baru.

[AlfHuy]

10 hours ago, polpott said:

Jahor Baru.

Jim Beam

[shdmn]

On 3/24/2021 at 4:58 PM, zyphodb said:

Yes, if things go pear shaped here, I'd add Vietnam as well. Not the Phillies though, don't want to lose everything to a Typhoon much...

If you don't live on the east coast of Samar or Siargao you don't have to worry about it.

[nausea]

It's my plan B. Mosrly, I'm happy here in Thailand. Take a lot to drive me out, probably some change to the visa/extension requirements. Luckily, I have no commitment here, everything is in the SO's name, I can leave just like that. Might be a hassle getting the bank accounts sorted.

[Leaver]

On 4/7/2021 at 9:28 PM, The Hammer2021 said:

A fool and his money are soon parted

 

Thailand seems to attract them.  

[Leaver]

On 4/7/2021 at 9:35 PM, The Hammer2021 said:

You have to be deaf, dumb, blind and gullible to be fleeced here usually. There are some notable exceptions one of whom I met in 30 years. The rest really were very uneducated or very weak minded and needy and some lacking in selfawareness. Many of them were not very nice people. 99.999% of people visiting  here do not get fleeced. Currently because of covid people are clamoring to get here

 

Not so sure about that.

 

I've seen a few successful and professional guys fleeced here.  University qualified, or successful in business.  They get to Thailand and get wrapped around a bar girl's finger.  

[JCauto]

Having lived and worked in all three, there's no real answer because your situation and preferences will dictate different outcomes. I first came to Thailand in 89, worked in Isaan for a while - Laos is very much like that right now, which is one of the reasons I love it. When I last went back to Isaan even there was becoming too developed and had lost some of the legendary charm that made it so nice. But if you're into modern convenience and living in the city, probably not for you. And yes, the lack of quality health care is a major issue, at least since the easy border runs ended the ability to get to Udon or other places with proper hospitals.

 

Cambodia remains the only real "wild west" around the region other than the land of vertical smile, so would be best suited to those who are in the cheap booze, don't want to go home unless the sun is back up again and broads category. The Thai-run hospitals that have been established are reasonable quality, so it's becoming viable for the older set in that regard too (although more expensive than in Thailand as you might imagine). Thailand overall is cheaper though, unless you're a serious alcoholic in which case it's paradise on earth and where you should slip your pickled mortal coil. Laos is good for alcoholics too. When you look at how the dental industry has evolved in Cambodia, you can see that the medical services will improve quickly too. Cambodia is quite dynamic.

So I'd summarize by saying if you're an older person with fondness for modern convenience, then you should really stay in Thailand as that's what will surely suit you best AND it's cheaper too. If you're younger and rougher-edged and looking for a more authentic Southeast Asian experience, then Cambodia and Laos work well - Cambodia if you're on the party train, Laos if not. If you're older and rougher-edged, I'd say Cambodia is starting to appeal, but will be less convenient and more expensive. I like the Cambodian people much more though, the most straightforward in the region in my opinion. Food is best in Thailand and cheaper except for foreign food, where the best and cheapest is in Laos (believe it or not) with excellent French, Italian and other options. Cambodian food has improved immeasurably in the last five to ten years, and is most similar to Thai in the region. Lao food is pretty basic.

 

With respect to getting hassled by authoriteh, pretty much up to you anywhere you go, if you have enough common sense and an ability to figure stuff out and speak a bit of the local language, you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll be a sucka that will be scammed no matter where you go. 

[ThaiPauly]

I would be dead if not for Bangkok hospitals.

I therefore would no longer be alive if I lived in either of these  countries.

So me and my money are staying put and I may make it another ten years

After that, I don't care, no more tests,  what will be will be.

Thanks to my doctors at Bumrungrad,  gotta love em ❤

[balo]

We will probably all die in the Land of Smiles anyway.  Who wants to be stuck in a Cambodian jungle? 

[JCauto]

12 hours ago, balo said:

We will probably all die in the Land of Smiles anyway.  Who wants to be stuck in a Cambodian jungle? 

No fear of that mate - they're in the process of removing the last bits.

[rott]

On 4/2/2021 at 11:18 AM, williet98248 said:

US expat.  I live in Phuket for 18 years.   I liked Cambodia.  Kampot, Battambang are my favorites.  SR too touristy and PP too big.  Kampot is probably where I would end up; on the river estuary and beaches close by.  I now have a Thai wife with a good job and I also have a job here or I would pick up for Cambodia.  I thought the Cambodian girls a bit more shapely than the typical skinny Thai ladies.  Bigger boobs.  My opinion. Very friendly people, food was fine, housing cheap.  Infrastructure not so good.  Buying a car practically out of the question.  20 year old Honda CRV;  US $1000.  Thailand $4000.  Cambodia  $10,000.  Chinese have ruined Sihanoukville and starting on other areas as well.  Stuck in Thailand but but would move if possible.

Others say there are no beaches in Kampot and very little of anything else. 

Care to refute.? 

[rott]

On 4/7/2021 at 10:18 PM, polpott said:

Jahor Baru.

It is over 10 years since I was there and then it was for just a few nights, but I remember more than enough places to get a drink. 

From what you say it has since changed. 

[canthai55]

One thing about PNH - when the curfew is on they do not mess around

Check out the sticks issued to security - ouch !

Edited April 21, 2021 by canthai55

[ancharee]

2008 first visit to Cambodia, travelled all over and loved it, happy pizzas ready rolled $1 giggle smoke stayed in a backpacker area in PP next to a huge lake $4 a night clean and basic room, I think they dredged the lake demolished the backpacker area, Sihanoukville was great but as we know another place ruined, would love to visit again but know it wont be the same, PS forgot to mention the curries and nan bread served with a cold anchor beer $4, Hey the good old day's

 

1. Sihanoukville