Cambodia/Laos - What's it like?

[JCauto]

7 minutes ago, Jenkins9039 said:

I lived in Dubai, it's not ideal for the kids with their nannies, the nannies need to be able to go back and forth without having too many issues...

 

that means neighbouring states for the year .

 

Singapore and Malaysia are ruled out due to the strict enforcement, Cambodia and Laos came up from some of my financial connections due to a number of reasons.

 

Then it comes to practicability. 

 

We shop, we eat, eating could just bring in a chef, shopping can dart back and forth or send for, lifestyle is mainly food.

You can get superb French and Italian food in Vientiane for a ridiculously cheap price. Lao food can be good, although lacking in comparison to the neighbours. But there's all sorts of restaurants that cater to all sorts of tastes, eating here is a delight.

[cowellandrew]

I am a bit old now for those sort of shenanigans I just ask that they hop or give me a head start or I am never going to catch up!

[JCauto]

6 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

 

????????????????????????????????????

 

Seriously aside from your seriously stupid dream, I ate breakfast in Siem Reap everyday at a different restaurant.  Which were all dedicated to bringing their employees up out of poverty, support schools,etc.

One of these restaurants had a little factoid on the wall that only 3% of Cambodian kids achieve a minimum education standard.

 

How high are the walls on your pool villa going to be? ????

Oh look at you! What a marvelous person you are! You can tell by the way you look down on other people and brag about buying breakfast at some NGO project restaurant - no doubt you carefully inspected the books to ensure your dollars were completely helping the poor, not some scam. And the depth of your research speaks for itself - the words of the social scientists were written on the restaurant wall! Around 98% of statistics randomly written down as graffiti are completely made up including this! I'd make a bet with you that despite all of the lentils you've weaved into handicrafts to warm old Khmer grannies during the cold season that this fellow would contribute more to the economy in one season than you would in several years.

 

So what does this fellow's pool villa have to do with the kids' education?

 

[SuperSaiyan]

59 minutes ago, Jenkins9039 said:

A) Thaland as a resident doesn't charge tax based on income overseas and not remitted to the following tax year.

 

B) When residing overseas as a non resident, and non citizen outside of the 183 days and only residing inside thailand for less than 183 days and remitting the following tax year, there is no tax.

 

So Yes.

A) Only partially true, please educate yourself on the topic.

 

B) Yes, but it's the opposite of your initial statement of "thailand follows territorial tax rule" as it actually follows 183 day rule as well.

[Burma Bill]

20 hours ago, Jenkins9039 said:

Whats it like? Property Real Estate prices (locations also) ? (4-6 bedroom pool style villa land) ownership structure? Lifestyle?

This website may be of interest to you. I live in Siem Reap and this International company IPS (Australian I believe) is reputable and trusted in Cambodia. Although describing Siem Reap, there are links to other cities in the country. Check it out. 

 

https://ips-cambodia.com/locations/siem-reap-province/

[Jenkins9039]

53 minutes ago, SuperSaiyan said:

A) Only partially true, please educate yourself on the topic.

 

B) Yes, but it's the opposite of your initial statement of "thailand follows territorial tax rule" as it actually follows 183 day rule as well.

I am educated on the subject.

 

I as a British National do not pay tax in the UK unless I am either a resident or earn in the UK.

 

I as a non Thai Citizen, but resident, therefore move to a country during the tax year (2025 for example) for less than 183 days inside Thailand, 183 days inside 2nd country, and less than 3 months in a third set of countries, alongside utilising a 3rd location to redeem my investments, and allow to mature for the tax year can then move the funds into Thailand at my leisure tax free.

 

Normally i'd do this in Dubai (1 yr) or Caribbean. 

 

With children this is off the table, therefore looking local.

 

Singapore and Malaysia throw obstacles different from Dubai/Carib but more so for staffing, defeating the part of the reason for not moving to Dubai etc.

 

Therefore that leaves border based countries for the 5.x months where the staffing can come and go freely (quickly) and where the babies don't have to travel so much. 

Therefore that leaves Laos, Cambodia, Burma.

 

Burma ruled out for war (though i have friends mixing time between Bangkok and Yangon).

 

Cambodia / Laos left.

 

I know of someone who lives in Laos, and operates a business similar to mine (investments) he seems happy, Cambodia i've no clue.

 

If we could stick to the core questions it would be appreciated.

[SuperSaiyan]

1 hour ago, Jenkins9039 said:

I am educated on the subject.

 

I as a British National do not pay tax in the UK unless I am either a resident or earn in the UK.

 

I as a non Thai Citizen, but resident, therefore move to a country during the tax year (2025 for example) for less than 183 days inside Thailand, 183 days inside 2nd country, and less than 3 months in a third set of countries, alongside utilising a 3rd location to redeem my investments, and allow to mature for the tax year can then move the funds into Thailand at my leisure tax free.

 

Thailand is actually 180 day rule.

 

I am glad that you moved away from the wrong statement of Thailand having a territorial tax regime.

 

Cheers!

 

[geisha]

I really believe that if the OP was as rich as he sounds, he definitely wouldn’t be asking questions like this online. He would have a financial advisor and private bank that takes care of investments etc with  no need to bring in millions to a different country such as Singapore for example. Why would anyone with so much money want to live in a poverty rife country ? If I , like the OP , wanted to live in a south Asian  country my only choice would be Singapore. Great education possibilities, every sort of staff you’d need, health and hygiene, beautiful homes , law abiding , great shopping and restaurants.  Best airlines, plenty to holiday or visit nearby.   Not Cambodia  or even less Laos. 

[Kalasin Jo]

23 hours ago, Jenkins9039 said:

Never been, whats Isaan like?

Like Laos or Cambodia? But Laos has a law against Lao nationals having sex with foreigners unless married, so beware. Cambodia has a thriving but illegal 'chicken farm" industry, so beware.

[bignok]

7 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

This website may be of interest to you. I live in Siem Reap and this International company IPS (Australian I believe) is reputable and trusted in Cambodia. Although describing Siem Reap, there are links to other cities in the country. Check it out. 

 

https://ips-cambodia.com/locations/siem-reap-province/

350 for 81sqm is good

[Kalasin Jo]

20 hours ago, SuperSaiyan said:

Like the vibe of the Vietnam war music video but with Hillux trucks and without the bombs:

And not forgetting the whump whump of Huey rotor blades. Not in Isaan.

[Jenkins9039]

Laos doesn't look too shabby, came across this : 

 

[Jenkins9039]

1 hour ago, geisha said:

I really believe that if the OP was as rich as he sounds, he definitely wouldn’t be asking questions like this online. He would have a financial advisor and private bank that takes care of investments etc with  no need to bring in millions to a different country such as Singapore for example. Why would anyone with so much money want to live in a poverty rife country ? If I , like the OP , wanted to live in a south Asian  country my only choice would be Singapore. Great education possibilities, every sort of staff you’d need, health and hygiene, beautiful homes , law abiding , great shopping and restaurants.  Best airlines, plenty to holiday or visit nearby.   Not Cambodia  or even less Laos. 

Beginning to think people A) can't read, B) interpret based on their own mind bias. 

 

1) Financial advisors usually consists of similar individuals in similar circumstances, discussing what they are doing.

 

Financial advisor professional would say return to Caymans/Bahamas, but that's not practical for the stated reasons (babies).

 

2) Private banks (bankers) no longer have such a personalised involvement with their clients after years of targeted attacks and fines for their clients for tax evasion etc.

 

3) I live in Thailand, comparably to Switzerland (my home in Europe) it's a <deleted>hole, having said that it has its charms, and i am content with them, i don't socialise too much either so don't really take in a lot of the drawbacks, mainly i do building (a new home, renovation a existing home to keep my mind busy) meaning being 'at home is ideal', that leaves shopping - i imagine Laos/Cambodia has malls or international delivery (amazon etc), so Laos/Cambodia is no different to Thailand to suit my purposes.

 

4) I never stated x was rich (FYI thats a General Population word to describe a idealised view of x, technically speaking you should be using the word 'wealthy'., this is not relevant, what i stated is i have a liquidation period coming up and want to manage the tax impact better, that means reducing tax impact thus, moving to a specific country for x days and bouncing.

 

As this will be annually for the period 2025-2030 potentially, and importantly at the stage the babies are at i'd like to have as little impact on the system we have in place, which means for a few years we need a base with free-flowing borders. 

 

Buying is always better than renting, even if you loose the money the period of comfort is easier to digest the non-comfort aspects. 

 

As for the Babies, they are sub 1 the education they have currently is a early school, and activities, outside of that private tuition (better than schooling traditionally speaking) hence the need for free-flow movement. 

 

 

 

Edited September 14, 2023 by Jenkins9039

[geisha]

Jenkins9039, sorry , I’m sure you don’t care a fig what I say/ believe, I still don’t buy your story. Who would think Cambodia or Laos is better for “babies”  than Caymans or Bahamas is probably missing something. My mother in law lived half her life in the Bahamas , she was Swiss, and there were no problems with private health care. In an emergency, where on earth would you go in Cam or Laos ? 
lots of countries way better if you have the choice. Of course , up to you as they say in Thailand . I personally like parts of Cambodia and even Laos , but not to live for these very reasons., if I had small children I would definitely go elsewhere. IMO only. 

[Jenkins9039]

45 minutes ago, geisha said:

Jenkins9039, sorry , I’m sure you don’t care a fig what I say/ believe, I still don’t buy your story. Who would think Cambodia or Laos is better for “babies”  than Caymans or Bahamas is probably missing something. My mother in law lived half her life in the Bahamas , she was Swiss, and there were no problems with private health care. In an emergency, where on earth would you go in Cam or Laos ? 
lots of countries way better if you have the choice. Of course , up to you as they say in Thailand . I personally like parts of Cambodia and even Laos , but not to live for these very reasons., if I had small children I would definitely go elsewhere. IMO only. 

Quite simply put for the fifth time.

 

The babies have nannies already, they have familiarity, they also have teachers, they have familiarity.

 

It doesn't make sense committing to Caymans/Dubai for 5 months and factoring in the 3 weeks on 1 week off, the visas, moving the entire household to Dubai/Caymans (whereever) you need local.

 

That leaves Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos.

 

I've given explicit reasons why Singapore/Malaysia are off the table, couldn't stand Vietnam, and suggestions privately were to look to Laos/Cambodia for the free-flowing border. 

 

Everything else is covered above.

 

Otherwise TAX benefit (5 months x 2 locations - 1 being Thailand) + 2 months elsewhere. 

[Kinok Farang]

On 9/13/2023 at 3:28 PM, Jenkins9039 said:

Never been, whats Isaan like?

Like Cambodia/Laos.

[LaosLover]

22 hours ago, JCauto said:

 

 

simply pay an agent or company to do all the necessary things for you.

 

 

There is no such thing as a visa agent in Vientiane. I asked. 

 

How would this person make a living, given the tiny amount of people who want such services?

 

No agent to help you with your Thai visa either.

 

Only one travel agent in town to help you book the train. 

 

I just read a lot of pub bore, old hand poetry about romantic ghost towns (VT is seriously shut down) and sniffy waving away about mosquito abatement. He never caught dengue fever, therefore YOU are safe.

 

 

[LaosLover]

23 hours ago, JCauto said:

Around 98% of statistics randomly written down as graffiti are completely made up including this!

 

Despite my reasonable and generous intentions, I have wandered into a love spat between 2 retard trolls:

 

Pretend-Elon Musk and Pretend-Laos Expert with no facts.

[NextG]

14 hours ago, geisha said:

I really believe that if the OP was as rich as he sounds, he definitely wouldn’t be asking questions like this online. He would have a financial advisor and private bank that takes care of investments etc with  no need to bring in millions to a different country such as Singapore for example. Why would anyone with so much money want to live in a poverty rife country ? If I , like the OP , wanted to live in a south Asian  country my only choice would be Singapore. Great education possibilities, every sort of staff you’d need, health and hygiene, beautiful homes , law abiding , great shopping and restaurants.  Best airlines, plenty to holiday or visit nearby.   Not Cambodia  or even less Laos. 

Rich as he sounds? What is that exactly? How rich does he ‘sound’ to you?

[JCauto]

16 minutes ago, LaosLover said:

There is no such thing as a visa agent in Vientiane. I asked. 

 

How would this person make a living, given the tiny amount of people who want such services?

 

No agent to help you with your Thai visa either.

 

Only one travel agent in town to help you book the train. 

 

I just read a lot of pub bore, old hand poetry about romantic ghost towns (VT is seriously shut down) and sniffy waving away about mosquito abatement. He never caught dengue fever, therefore YOU are safe.

Oh dear. I seem to have offended you somehow, I assure you that wasn't my intention. However, I do happen to live in Vientiane so perhaps may be better informed?

If you'd like the number of a visa agent in Vientiane, why not ask? I'd happily give you two immediately - both of whom run quite successful businesses here providing services including running visas for expatriates (business, retirement, long-term residence) and also buying and delivering train tickets. That you are unaware of this and willing to state unequivocally that there are no such people in existence or that it could not possibly be viable given the market makes me think you're perhaps not as well informed as you claim to be. I haven't asked whether they do Thai visas, probably I should think.

 

One travel agent in town to help you book the train - again, LOL. I'll give you three others if you like.

"VT is seriously shut down" - what does this mean? Are the restaurants and bars I frequent figments of my imagination? As I noted, there's no real girly bar scene here, is that what you mean?

Is your claim that mosquito abatement is 100% effective and stops Dengue Fever in its tracks? They do it in Cambodia too, probably helps, doesn't completely eliminate it ever. Best is to avoid being bit, and the mozzie that transmits dengue is the black-and-white striped one that is active between around 4-7pm, hence my clothing suggestions. Seems to me that according to WHO Thailand is more problematic for dengue...

 

https://www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/dengue-and-severe-dengue

 

[JCauto]

24 minutes ago, LaosLover said:

Despite my reasonable and generous intentions, I have wandered into a love spat between 2 retard trolls:

 

Pretend-Elon Musk and Pretend-Laos Expert with no facts.

LOL - I at least know how to get a visa and a train ticket! Speaking Lao helps, perhaps you ought to try that next time you grace us with your omniscient presence....

[LaosLover]

33 minutes ago, NextG said:

Rich as he sounds? What is that exactly? How rich does he ‘sound’ to you?

I worked in private banking. He could call someone up and find this out. Too much non-specific detail to not be a troll. And laying it on too thick with the nannies bit. Please think of the nannies.

 

As to the other troll, too much posturing and ultra-light on the details. A ton of red herring nonsense about Dengue. He could give information.....Eff off.

 

Just terrible. I take the time to give my actual experience as a good intention and it's just for drunks and liars.

[geisha]

7 hours ago, NextG said:

Rich as he sounds? What is that exactly? How rich does he ‘sound’ to you?

Flying his staff, teachers, Nannie’s , cook etc around the world , does that seem normal “wealthy” to you ?? I live in the South of France, and only UAE people do these things. Read all his posts.  I don’t care about his wealth and have nothing against it at all, I’m surrounded by wealth where I live. I just find that asking such advice on any forum is very strange. I don’t believe it. Nuff said !

[simon43]

If you are as wealthy as you state, then the Lao police will suck you dry and spit you out!!  You think Thailand is corrupt, wait until the Lao police see your trappings of luxury... like flies to a dog poop ????  I suggest you give Laos a pass.

[Jenkins9039]

8 hours ago, LaosLover said:

I worked in private banking. He could call someone up and find this out. Too much non-specific detail to not be a troll. And laying it on too thick with the nannies bit. Please think of the nannies.

 

As to the other troll, too much posturing and ultra-light on the details. A ton of red herring nonsense about Dengue. He could give information.....Eff off.

 

Just terrible. I take the time to give my actual experience as a good intention and it's just for drunks and liars.

Bit different to the experience i last had in Geneva when closing my account.

 

The nannies, is the 'most important' aspect - hence laid out. clearly, continuously, because i keep being pointed to what i don't want.

 

In fact i don't believe i've even had any form of advice on the locations.

 

 

[Jenkins9039]

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

If you are as wealthy as you state, then the Lao police will suck you dry and spit you out!!  You think Thailand is corrupt, wait until the Lao police see your trappings of luxury... like flies to a dog poop ????  I suggest you give Laos a pass.

I'm using it as a tax bounce, 5 months in. with little impact towards the babies, as for being sucked dry, its doubtful.

 

For one i wouldn't be handling money in the country except living/property.

 

[Jenkins9039]

1 hour ago, geisha said:

Flying his staff, teachers, Nannie’s , cook etc around the world , does that seem normal “wealthy” to you ?? I live in the South of France, and only UAE people do these things. Read all his posts.  I don’t care about his wealth and have nothing against it at all, I’m surrounded by wealth where I live. I just find that asking such advice on any forum is very strange. I don’t believe it. Nuff said !

Yeah, flying them to Dubai/etc etc would be unfeasible (financially, logistically and practically). 

 

I am specificlly asking about Laos / Cambodia as it's seamless for what i want.

 

BUT people appear fixated on 'imagination'.

 

Still haven't had a response in line with my questions.

 

90% about wealth (not brought up)

5% about shagging 

5% about mozies

 

Intellect really on show here.

[cortlan]

this large dividend, how will you receive it? in personal bank?

the bank must ask your information. so what is your answer? tax resident of no country, address in Laos, no work?

your personal bank, it will accept this?

and your corporation's bank, it must ask information of you, Shareholder. same answer?

why not be resident in 0% tax country, or with 0% on foreign income?

isn't Thailand a country like this?

[Jenkins9039]

53 minutes ago, cortlan said:

this large dividend, how will you receive it? in personal bank?

the bank must ask your information. so what is your answer? tax resident of no country, address in Laos, no work?

your personal bank, it will accept this?

and your corporation's bank, it must ask information of you, Shareholder. same answer?

why not be resident in 0% tax country, or with 0% on foreign income?

isn't Thailand a country like this?

Not really relevant to what I am asking information on.

[GypsyT]

"Coming up to redemption of some investments in 24 onwards which means need to factor in a tax domicile.

Usually would reside in Dubai/Carib but with kids not ideal.

Looking at the tax side Cambodia/Laos would be ideal (or Singapore/Malaysia) however not ideal with the free-flowing borders (entire household - nannies, teachers etc) for babies/kids "

 

Pretty sad you put money and tax break ahead of your kids well being....

 

Spend your dough on kids, stay in EU, like Canary Islands, and they will take care of you.

 

If you were alone, why not 3rd world countries for kicks?