OK I have a question regading the above, I have met several people (girls mosrtly) who have openly admitted to me that hey are from Cambodia, they are bar owners and although I haven't really gone into the details with them - are they somehow nationalised - are they still foreigners do they need work permits to work here - is there some exemption rule to own a business in Thailand - just wondering

Who can say. I doubt that they are from Cambodia and if so yes they would need work permits that they probably do not have. Foreigners are not allowed to do a job that a Thai can do.... I think someone is pulling your leg. Why don'y you go into the details with them. Ask to see their work permits.