Answered8 months ago
Is it worth moving to Thailand given the visa complications compared to Cambodia?
The more I read about the various problems with Thailand visas and the multitude of complications, the less interested I'm becoming. I'm in Siem Reap atm and it seems very pleasant, probably like living somewhere such as Isaan, minus the hassles.
Answer summary
The discussion centers around the visa difficulties associated with living in Thailand and the comparison with Cambodia. While some expats express concerns about the complexity and bureaucracy surrounding Thai visas, others argue that as long as the correct procedures and requirements are followed, the process can be straightforward. Many respondents share their long-term experiences in Thailand, highlighting benefits like better infrastructure, healthcare access, and a more vibrant culture compared to Cambodia. The dialogue reveals differing opinions on the ease of visa management, with some advocating for the use of agents while others emphasize self-sufficiency in navigating the immigration system.
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James **********
You should believe everything you read, if you meet all the requirements, fill forms out correctly you shouldn't have any issues, those bitching about the porcess are mostly likely cheap charlies that trying to scam it in one way or another.
Melody *******
Great stay put
Chris **********
Never had a hassle doing my visas for over 30 years, be careful with who and what you listen to sunshine.....
Gerald ******
Better to stay there
Greg *******
There are always issues on Facebook! Book an agent that will match you to the best visa for you.
Serega *********
Yep, stay in Siam reap
Phillip ***********
Tailland is getting very problematic also lots of violence
Kurt *************
If you qualify for a visa you will have no problems. The problems you see and hear about is people beeing smartass with the rules.
Tom ***********
Thats the problem, reading to much, most of the bad replies come from agents so people use them.
If people take time to learn the requirments, paperwork and patience the whole challenge becomes easier.
Be grateful liveing in the country away from cities,
Popular places will always have stress as all agents competing for their clients.
Like you Brad I live in the countryside,peace and have great neighbours,all Thai. Quality of life over hustle of any city.
If people take time to learn the requirments, paperwork and patience the whole challenge becomes easier.
Be grateful liveing in the country away from cities,
Popular places will always have stress as all agents competing for their clients.
Like you Brad I live in the countryside,peace and have great neighbours,all Thai. Quality of life over hustle of any city.
Bualoy *********************
Thailands visa is very fair and easy the only people having problems are the people who try to get around the visa rules, some because they are lazy and some because they dont have what thailand wants off them
Brad *******
OPBualoy Somwaeng Rasmussen as you should have read above, I've used 60 day except with a border bounce but they don't like it even though it's not.prohibited. So either take it away or stop hassling. It shouldn't be both ways.
Robert ******
@Brad ******
first person I ever heard said they actually like the food better over there, I was there when Pol pot was still alive Bro so I know what I'm talking about. Let's just tell everybody you don't like Thailand and be done with it and get off of Thai forms and deal with where you live, you're probably a squirrel anyhow 😂😘
BronzeNec**********
Bye ✌️
Pete *********
BronzeNectarine3305 there's not really any issues so to speak, it's just abiding by the laws and not reading bullshit on facebook until laws alter if they do
Only use Thai immigration website
Only use Thai immigration website
Robert ******
That's great you'll enjoy the food and the medical care there enjoy yourself ✌🏼
Nongnuch ********
I hibernate in Thailand for 6 months every year, year for year, since 18 years. I got a 1-year extension of stay based on retirement, using a deposit of 850,000 THB in my Thai bank account. I love to hibernate in a country where everything costs less than half the price than in my home country, I love Thailand's wonderful infrastructure, fast internet, reliable electricity, well paved roads and the rich choice of tasty food. I have already travelled more than 600,000 kilometers in Thailand with my own car. I would NEVER exchange that for a life in Cambodia
Sue **********
Good to hear. 😉 But why is this of any interest in this Thailand group? 🤷🏻♀️
The majority of people here have absolutely no issues with visa, its obvious you don‘t read about those in any group 🤦🏻♀️
The majority of people here have absolutely no issues with visa, its obvious you don‘t read about those in any group 🤦🏻♀️
Kris ******
Buy yourself a Thailand Privilege and don't worry about it! 👍
Brad *******
OPKris King someone was just here complaining about those...
WhitePho********
@Brad ******
The privilege visa is great. Never have to even leave the country, yearly stamp, remote work OK, lots of nice free tickets to events and perks. Been here two and a half years and never had to leave and never have any hassle. Literally the only person I’ve seen have a problem is one person trying to get their 5 year stick attached and was told they were under suspicion of working. lol I can just show them my bank account and they’ll understand why I don’t have to work. 🤣🤡 It is my far the easiest least hassle visa, it just takes $$$. Go on back to Cambodia and stop trying to act like you know about Thai visas. 🤣 I wouldn’t live in Cambodia for free, didn’t care for it at all compared to Thailand.
Brad *******
OPWhitePhoenix5046 I'm not a digital nomad and I have no interest in boxing or cooking, so DTV doesn't sound viable. You cannot rent anything in Thailand for 4-5 months except hotels or Airbnb. That's not residing. Either you can stay 60 plys 30 or you can't. They seem unhappy if you use it.
WhitePho********
@Brad ******
yeah 4 to 5 months is living here bud. If Cambodia is so great, why you trying to live in Thailand 5 months a year? They’ll see that as trying to game the system. But for your situation the DTV would be a very cheap solution. 🤷♂️Brad *******
OPWhitePhoenix5046 I don't care to live there. I just want a 4-5 mo trip and be left alone. Not working. Not living. Just touristing. That's now suspected of visa evasion or some such.
Eugene *******
I spent extended periods of time in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand while researching a place to retire. Thailand won for numerous reasons. I pay a reputable agent to do my visas. The people that have visa issues are the ones that try save a few baht by attempting to do it themselves.
Stuart ***********
The people I see that say it's complicated are the ones that use agents or arrive without the correct visa in the first place or want to break the law by not meeting the requirements. The extension of stay takes me between 30 and 55 minutes each year, it is one A4 form (some offices get you to sign a couple of declarations too) with about 15 simple questions (name, address etc), a few photocopies, proof of address, bank details and 1,900 baht.
Eugene *******
Stuart Chiverton Im rich so it takes me about 30 seconds to do a bank transfer and hand my passport to my reputable agent.
Herbert *********
Eugene Booth one point, I don't understand. A "normal" person with some years in education in school should normally be able to fill in some formulars and attach documents. I don't like to pay for agents, which makes some things out of law, f.e.paying immigration officers.
If there would be clear rules, why this forum is full with thousands of problems?
If there would be clear rules, why this forum is full with thousands of problems?
Eugene *******
Herbert Steurer yes, if there were clear rules, there would be no problem but the fact remains, there are no clear rules, hence, why I believe paying an agent to do it for me makes complete sense.
David *****
Not really sure why you’re posting this here. You want us to convince you to come to Thailand?
Brad *******
OPDavid Lew I've visited Thailand many times. The last tine through a month ago, they detained my Vietnamese wife and rudely questiined her intentions for over an hour. Finally they stamped 60 days but told her to get out after 3 weeks. So we left. Seems to be increasingly common as they want to define residences as anything more than the average 10 day tourist whirl.
Artis ********
Then don't go, problem solved, good luck :)
Chris ********
Siam reap compares to isaan? Nonsense 😂
Ray *********
Stay there, follow your instincts….no problem in Thailand for me in 20 years
Brian ********
My experience, was due to fly home beginning of month, still stuck here. Being law abiding I went to immigration to extend my 60 day visa exempt which had already been extended by 30 days. Almost 8 hours later and having paid 1,900 bath we got a 7 day extension and was told to leave the country!
Paul *******
If you think this then it's best you don't go.
Alasdair ******
I have been in Isan for nearly 7 years but never in cambodia so cannot make a comparison. But udon immigration and the level of corruption here astounds me. I would never recommend the place. If things go well it is great but if any small issues arise, it is not a place to be.
Brad *******
OPAlasdair Munn exactly
Terary **********
I think a lot of the hassles you read about are from people who have problems. Most people do not have problems and they do not post they did not have problems. I have my frustrations but it's not the end of the world challenging.
Pattaya has a very crooked immigration. I think it's because there are so many expats and a lot of money to be made. When I have gone to other immigration where there are few expats - the immigration officers are quite pleasant and helpful.
Pattaya has a very crooked immigration. I think it's because there are so many expats and a lot of money to be made. When I have gone to other immigration where there are few expats - the immigration officers are quite pleasant and helpful.
WhitePho********
Visas here are only an issue if you don’t have the $$$
Brad *******
OPWhitePhoenix5046 false
WhitePho********
@Brad ******
what’s false? lol if you have money visa is no issue…
SunnyFla********
WhitePhoenix5046 yup they don't want the scrubs around
Seren *******
Currently in Isaan, having spent the last month in Laos and the month before that in Cambodia. Siem Reap was amazing (and we really didn’t want to leave) but our travels to date have made us realise just how easy Thailand is (particularly when medical/dental treatment is needed and simple things like buying clothes, etc.). The mall in SR was dire.
Yes, it appears easier to extend/get a visa in Cambodia. But Thailand overall, for us, offers so much more.
Yes, it appears easier to extend/get a visa in Cambodia. But Thailand overall, for us, offers so much more.
Brad *******
OPSeren James I've spent extensive time in Thailand and all over SE Asia. In truth, Malaysia offers just as much as Thailand especially the Georgetown area of Penang. The economic demographic is higher than Thailand. But I don't really care much about mall culture. Thailand isn't the be- all that many project. People have an innate instinct yo defend their choices at all costs regardless of realities.
Allan ******
@Brad ******
which is exactly what you’re doing 🙃Anne ******
Thai visa has never been a headache unless you dont have enough requirements. Its the easiest country with less complications. Been there thrice myself
Ralph *******
Anne King For long term stay there are financial requirements (minimum bank deposit) as well as the visa cost.
I’ve never bought a tourist visa as visa exempt is fine.
I’ve never bought a tourist visa as visa exempt is fine.
Anne ******
Ralph Tyson thats understandable, its long stay, any country would need you to be secured. It does make sense, how would one sustain themselves in a foreign country without money? They dont want you to be stuck and you becoming their burden. America wants a million dollars
Brad *******
OPAnne King Thailand doesn't have any public support for indigent expats.
I'm.not complaining about financial costs of visas although having to let $25k sit in a Thailand bank with no interest is a bit outlandish.
I'm.not complaining about financial costs of visas although having to let $25k sit in a Thailand bank with no interest is a bit outlandish.
Ralph *******
Anne King It takes money and that’s something that not everyone has.
Anne ******
Ralph Tyson how much were you charged?? My visa was 40 dollars only for tourism
Tom ********
Yeah probably best staying there.
Min *******
DTV and no problem. Returned 3 times. Never a problem, never a question.
If you don't game the system and you don't overstay, you will have no problem
Many complainers they don't say the full truth of why they get denied!
If you don't game the system and you don't overstay, you will have no problem
Many complainers they don't say the full truth of why they get denied!
Christer *****
Criminals and the illiterate have problems. 🤷
Donald **********
Au revoir mon cherie!
Brad *******
OPDonald Campbell took you long enough!
Rich ****
You shouldn't have any trouble doing 2 visa exemptions a year.
Carl **********
Rich De I did after 50 plus days on my return after a month in the Philippines i got a warning I had a return flight in 50 days . I had done the same the previous year leaving Thailand at the end of March 2025
Brad *******
OPRich De that's not the advice I've received on this forum. In fact, border runs have somehow turned into dirty words
Carl **********
@Brad ******
i agree i was out for a month but got hassle on my return 2 x 60 with a month in the Philippines in betweenRalph *******
@Brad ******
Visa exemption, without extensions, is now a dirty word.
Gerrit ************
No problem here. Got a 6 month multi-entry for Thailand and a 45 day multi entry for Vietnam. In Siem Reap right now. Been to Vietnam, Laos and will do both of those countries once more. No issues, no hassles
John *********
Sounds good until you need real medical care.
Steve *******
John N Kwan Nothing wrong with medical care in the City's of Isaan, obviously out in the sticks they don't have full medical facilities but that'll be the same all over Thailand not just Isaan
Brad *******
OPJohn N Kwan so fly over to Bangkok. Takes 45 mins, less time than a traffic jam in BKK
Colin *********
@Brad ******
45 minutes to fly to Bangkok... then get caught in the traffic jam 🙄🤣🤣🤣
Simon *******
Thats good then one less seppo in thailand is good
Brad *******
OPSimon James what is a seppo pray tell?
Simon *******
@Brad ******
septic tank =yankBrad *******
OPSimon James i see. You'd be saluting the Fhurer today if not for the yanks who saved your Brit arse.
Greg ***********
you would probably be shocked when you realize the BIG difference in culture, infrastructure, consumerism and food . . I will always prefer Thailand before I wing my way to Cambodia. Since I turned 50 years old, I visit and hibernate in Thailand on my 1-year retirement extension with 800,000 THB in my bank account, and never have to worry.
Brad *******
OPGreg Alexander I'm aware. But I like the food over here better actually. I never buy anything in the Bangkok malls. And it's easier to drive a motorbike over here than BKK so infrastructure isn't an issue. Actually the roads are better paver here than Thailand.
Ian *******
@Brad ******
did well visit the same Siem Reap? The one I visited had many potholes in a lot of the roads. I was happy it was the guides car and not mine that was getting a beating.Greg ***********
@Brad ******
even in the deep backwater Isaan, thousands of roads are getting upgrades. . they are better and better every year. The Highway 24 used to be a 2-lane road 12 years ago- now it is a 6-lane nicely paved German Autobahn, enlighted at night like a Belgian motorwayBrad *******
OPIan Whyte I've driven all over town on a motorbike. The main roads are smooth as glass..some back roads have potholes. However the lack of cars makes up for it. Camboduans drive slowly unlike the maniacs in Thailand. It feels very safe to be on the road in Siem Reap.
Donald **********
Brad you and Siem Reap seem made for each other, so why are you whining on a Thai forum? You live and learn in life! Are you part of a Cambodian scam outfit trying to discredit Thailand? Just asking!
David *****
Donald Campbell this. Exactly.
Brad *******
OPDonald Campbell yes! You got me big boy ,😂
Jan ******************
In fact, it's very easy as long as you play by the rules and get a proper visa that fits your personal situation.
Larry ******
..I've been in Isaan 19 years now.. have changed visa type several times.. no problems..
Anne ******
Jan Kenneth Nesland yes true
Brad *******
OPJan Kenneth Nesland The so called "rules " are a bunch of red tape designed to basically discourage
Todd *********
@Brad ******
then just use an agent. As you would in Cambodia anywayJan ******************
@Brad ******
The "red tape" usually only starts becoming a problem the moment people try to stretch short-term tourist solutions into long-term stays instead of simply applying for the visa that actually fits their situation.
Lynnette *******
@Brad ******
no, they aren't. They are just basic rules to follow. Comprehension helps. Knowing the difference in the types of visas available, and following the process. Things like get the visa before arriving so you can open a bank account, to get 12 months extension of stay in the country.
Matthew *********
Lynnette Munoz that is crock of shit. There is no national standard for rules unlike places like Japan and Singapore. They see the rules as they way they want. One a map to house is exceptable and then the same person following year says it's not ok. Some make different rules for banking and letters from bank. All rules are written in grey to give IO absolute power trip. Every day people post different experience because there isn't a national standard
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