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Why should expats consider Cambodia over Thailand for retirement visas?
Feb 14, 2026
3 months ago
Olli ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSorry little bit off topic.
But lot of people have problems with retiret visa to Thailand, need have papers for this and that.
Why you not come to Cambodia ? You get retired visa when you are 55 years or older. No ask nothing papers, money or nothing. No need to go never on immigration. Just live and enjoy.
But lot of people have problems with retiret visa to Thailand, need have papers for this and that.
Why you not come to Cambodia ? You get retired visa when you are 55 years or older. No ask nothing papers, money or nothing. No need to go never on immigration. Just live and enjoy.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the comparison between retirement visas in Thailand and Cambodia. A user suggests Cambodia's easier retirement visa process for individuals over 55 without stringent documentation requirements. However, several commenters express strong opposition, highlighting Cambodia's perceived issues such as poor healthcare, infrastructure, and safety concerns. Many respondents affirm their preference for living in Thailand due to its better amenities, healthcare system, and overall quality of life. The conversation reveals a polarized view of expat life in both countries and raises questions about the values that influence individuals' choices for retirement.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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John *********
Because we prefer Thailand.
Graham *****
Scambodia
Elías ********
No thanks. Who wants to live in a place ruled by a gangster-killer-dictator family?
Zeb ********
Last time I was in Cambodia
Pol pot .. was stopping trains and shooting people
( shot 25 ) … xx
Pol pot .. was stopping trains and shooting people
( shot 25 ) … xx
Toby ******
I stayed there about a year in 2007 but the lack of health care and basic infrastructure was the most outstanding reason why I decided against it. The kleptocracy that runs the place and the widespread environmental devastation were among other reasons. Plus the food isnt as good.
Sylvia ********
Another thing to consider, if you dont have medical insurance you should keep funds for emergency in the bank. Thailand ask for 800,000 baht to sit in your account then annual visa is only $60 so far cheaper than Cambodia!
Frank *********
Probably because the infrastructure and public transport sucks…
As well as many of the roads
That’s a big turn off for many of us
As well as many of the roads
That’s a big turn off for many of us
Mark ********
When you can actually speak English without it sounding like gibberish try again...
Michael *******************
If you want or could live there. The Thai system is a bit difficult and the requierements can differ but once you get your head around it it takes half a day.
John **********
I prefer reviews from the actual people that live or have lived in Cambodia. Not off the cuff rude comments. There's no foundation for that. If anyone is interested in Cambodia, the best site I have ever listened to on YouTube is called FOR RIEL, ran by Claire & Jeremy.
************************************************
a brilliant insight into Cambodia. Really worth a watch. All their monies from YouTube go to charity. Come on goes let's be positive with answers!!FarangJ********
The food is inferior to what's available in Thailand.
Eddie **********
Europe and US getting bad by the day, so all want to bail out.
Luc *********
I spent a few weeks in Cambodia
15 years ago and the country didn't convince me... If I had to choose, I would probably choose Vietnam first
15 years ago and the country didn't convince me... If I had to choose, I would probably choose Vietnam first
Collywobble **********
miss Snooky🥹
Collywobble **********
tricky if got thai wife!!!
Jesper *******
Above 50yrs old and have 800k thai baht ...papers =passport tm30 lease agreement and bank statements and that's about it....if you can't provide that means you are not suitable to retire in thailand....you choose a place you like to retired not because of low requirements if you can only fulfill low requirements that means u are not ready to retire in another country please stay home
Mark *********
Jesper Ngiam I’ve hit a roadblock with the BOI. I qualify financially, but made a couple of mistakes on their application last year and it was rejected, and there is no apparent way to reapply.
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Mark *********
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John *********
Why not just Enjoy it. Along with the hordes of Cheap Charlie’s coming your way.. Soon
Jo ********
Well if a lot of people read that I'm sure there's going to be a lot of people changing from Thailand to Cambodia and they'll end up losing lots of the everyday tourist not the rich people they want there to invest
Mark **********
I wouldn’t live in Cambodia for free 🤷♂️
Gregory ********
There are other options —Vietnam and Phillipines—guys are getting fed up by renewing each year and having 800 k in an account that earns 1% that is taxed—its different strokes for different folks—can do it now at 60 but dont want the same b…..hit at 70 and 80–dont want hear all the pros and cons—i will check it out and decided for my family and myself👌👌👌💪💪💪💪
Gregory ********
Yep many guys in Thailand are looking—tired of non recognition of our contribution—some are looking Vietnam and Phillipines as well💪💪💪
Kylie ********
No thanks!
Andy **********
The non spice food is shit
Alex ******
Thailand is simply a superb choice ! Not even close!
Frankie *****
Huh ? Reasoning so flawed . More like spam marketing
Steve ***************
While I enjoy visiting Cambodia for a month or so, every now and again, I would never choose to live there. I have a Thai Non O one year extension of stay based on retirement that was no trouble to obtain, not sure where you get the idea retired people in Thailand experience the difficulties that you suggest?
Greg ******
sorry mate you're having a laugh right?
Mark ********
Live in a 3rd world s...hole dictatorship just because it's cheap??? WTF 😜
John ********
In general I really like Cambodia and its people.
But Bangkok to Phnom Penh is was too much of a jump for me. I prefer more commercialisation and modernity.
Recently got a conversion to non O. It was super simple. A little paper chase an hour at the bank and a few hours at immigration and £50.
But Bangkok to Phnom Penh is was too much of a jump for me. I prefer more commercialisation and modernity.
Recently got a conversion to non O. It was super simple. A little paper chase an hour at the bank and a few hours at immigration and £50.
Wayno *******
Because Cambodia is a bucket of shite compared to Thailand.
Will ********
No more 60 days,its going back to 30.
Tiphany **********
Wow!! People ar rude here...
Bill ******
Tiphany Andurand I agree that several are rude.
Herbert *********
Tiphany Andurand yes, Thailand is a tolerant country in many cases, but the foreigner live here aren't at all.
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Herbert *********
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Werner **********
I think the new and stricter rules in Thailand are very good. do you want to be withdrawn from the mafia in Cambodia? it is good that measures are being taken in Thailand
Clifford *********
F
Jean ********
Up to you to live where you want...
Mike *********
I live near the border and rich Cambodians cross into Thailand to use the healthcare
Alexander *************
Well if you are a European citizen you can go anywhere in Europe and demand the same rights as native citizens, having free health care ie. Bulgaria should be the best affordable country for the moment
Steve ***********
It's tedious paperwork and nonsense to crossing or I dotting
Imagine a Thai immigration aka police, denying a foreign police officer a retirement visa
Imagine a Thai immigration aka police, denying a foreign police officer a retirement visa
James *********
Went there once and wasn't impressed,.....very happy here in Sattahip.
Chris *********************
James Charles been to sattahip a couple of times with the wife and daughters, stayed in one of the navy base hotels, beautiful beaches, all the way along,we planning another couple of days next month, when the kids is off school
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Chris *********************
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John *********
Definitely not scambodia
Marc ********
Because it's not really convenient living in Cambodia because it's kind of a 3rd world country?
Todd *********
It's probably because much of Cambodia is a shithole, infrastructure is bad, food isn't as good, health care is terrible and it's just not as safe. But if you can't afford thailand overall, not a horrible choice
Marc ********
Todd McGowan Food is better imo but the rest I agree
Todd *********
Marc Widmer I don't disagree at all, I like a lot of Cambodian food, but gotta give the edge to thailand overall. Also much easier to find ethnically diverse and amazing restaurants in Thailand than it is in Cambodia. There are some gems in Cambodia, Siem Reap is a lovely town in lovely riverside setting, Phnom Penh is truly moving in the right direction fast (but far behind BKK), Otres Beach was absolutely incredible but completed destroyed by Chinese development, the island are stunning (like Ko Rong, Ko Rong Sanloem, Ko Ta Kiev) but not as developed like Thai islands. And the future looks dodgy with the way the Chinese are destroying some island life in favour of mass development. Maybe will be fine in the long term though... Just doesn't look it right now.
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Todd *********
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Paul *********
Olli Mäklin Cambodia's economy funded by scammers. Why come to a Thailand Visa group and promote that crap.
Jean-Pierre **************************
How naive can you get?
Bo**
Not need to “disappear”.
Wallace ******
It’s called Scambodia for a reason.
Henrik ***********
Easy, because cambodia is not Thailand
Thailand fits my taste, Cambodia doesn’t
I don’t care if my paper work takes a hour or a day more in Thailand, its one time a year
Thailand fits my taste, Cambodia doesn’t
I don’t care if my paper work takes a hour or a day more in Thailand, its one time a year
Anthony **********
Because it is a corrupt , dangerous shit hole. An acquaintance spent over a year in a hell hole prison on trumped up charges before being released without conviction . All because he refused a bribe . It just about destroyed him .There is no rule of law . Thailand has its issues , but it is a civil rights paradise compared to Cambodia.
Michael *******
I heard not so safe for a foreigner
Terary **********
How are the girls? When I was in PP the girls were ok but not nearly as good as Pattaya
Michael *******
Cambodia does not appeal to me because my wife is Thai and I have adopted her culture with all of its faults and foibles..
Dennis *************
Olli Märklin, no problem at all in Thailand if you do your paperwork right, Cambodia 😏 not a chance
Russell ***********
Cambodia is a shit hole, full of thieving kunts, even my local friends i have in Siem Reap always look over their shoulder … no thank you
Stephen ******
Where are u...living??i got a bad vibe there,really rich chinese poor cambodians....?
Brenton ******
What I find is the arrogance of many of the people who make comments here. Tell me what the guy who posted this topic said to so offend you all. He asked a question and was polite about it. It amazes me that so many people can be pigs when they can hide behind their computer.
Mark ******
Brenton Lett who's fucking hiding.
Stop taking out of your arse.
Stop taking out of your arse.
Brenton ******
Mark Clay the fact that you’re not bright enough to spell basic words tells me you shouldn’t even be on a computer
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Brenton ******
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Larry *********
Brenton Lett I agree.
Bernard *******
Brenton Lett 100% .. it’s amazing how many here seem afraid of a simple question and lash out aggressively. Sounds like they haven’t picked up on Thai culture. The reasonable responses are that it’s about safety , the appeal of Thailand, the manageable bureaucracy etc
Mark *********
Bernard Mahon And inferior health care in Cambodia is a fair point. In fact the only reason I stay in Thailand is healthcare. Meaning not that I have health problems but that I want to stay that way and at reasonable cost with ready availability without gatekeeping. I really care not a jot that others find the sunset over Hua Hin beautiful. As best I know sunsets are available the world over!!
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Mark *********
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Paul *********
Brenton Lett Why come to a Thai Visa group and promote Scambodia?
Kevin *********
Paul Hadland this still doesn't warrant such ill treatment. Some of these c@nts if they said that in person would deserve a punch in the nose.
Bernard *******
Paul Hadland it’s just a question, he’s not promoting anything.
Paul *********
Bernard Mahon read again, pointing out supposed benefits of Cambodia over Thailand is not promoting?
"Why you not come to Cambodia ? You get retired visa when you are 55 years or older. No ask nothing papers, money or nothing. No need to go never on immigration. Just live and enjoy."
Promoting?
"Why you not come to Cambodia ? You get retired visa when you are 55 years or older. No ask nothing papers, money or nothing. No need to go never on immigration. Just live and enjoy."
Promoting?
Bernard *******
Paul Hadland it’s posing a question based on the point that so many people in these forums moan how difficult it is . So he’s asking a rhetorical question , if it’s so difficult why not consider an easier option. No need to get collectively wound up about it, just answer the man .
Paul *********
Bernard Mahon not wound up in the slightest, happily living in Thailand. Just questioning weird statements.
Brenton ******
Bernard Mahon yawn
Brenton ******
Paul Hadland he’s asking a question given the difference between Cambodia and Thailand
Colin *********
Brenton Lett he could also be trying to lure people to Cambodia, given what Thailand has done in recent months to disrupt the activities of criminal gangs that run Cambodia's Scam Centres and have been stealing billions of dollars from people across the world. They surely need more people to run their illegal businesses and why not use a profile with a foreign name and photo.
Paul *********
Brenton Lett asks a question which he answers as per my response above.
Reply to
Paul *********
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Graham ******
Paul Hadland and not expect a backlash
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Graham ******
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Tony ********
Brenton Lett well said mate
Reply to
Tony ********
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Trevor *****
Snooky ok years ago
Mic ********
Thailand is not Cambodia! Never will be. Cambodia, no ask papers, money or nothing???? Doesn’t sound safe
Olli ********
ORIGINAL POSTERMic Jowett You need to show immigration how much you have in your bank account on 3 months, that make feeling safe ?
Colin *********
Olli Mäklin it's got to be better than the country you described. One is more likely to disappear in a country that doesn't have strict requirements for Expats. No papers? That's convenient, no paper trail when you enter the country, so easy to just disappear without a trace! No money... ohh that's good! Oh, on second thoughts, I wouldn't have any money whatsoever when the corrupt people abduct me and force me to give up my banking details, threatening to kill me if I don't!
I know you don't I? You're one of those Scam Centre recruiters!
I know you don't I? You're one of those Scam Centre recruiters!
Mic ********
Not really !! all you have to show immigration is how much you have in your bank account for 3 months?? Okay I have 5 Baht ? So I get I visa? Not much security there, I’d rather have an immigration department that makes you produce relevant documents and information to stop people like you living in Thailand, be honest.
Alex ****
Mic Jowett
The guy is a fucking idiot!
He can’t even speak English
The guy is a fucking idiot!
He can’t even speak English
Regina **********
Alex Ve Actually you seem a much bigger idiot, the guy is Finnish. Sheesh.
Reply to
Regina **********
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Donald **********
Normal people don’t want to be “recruited”into a SCAM CENTRE, numb nuts!
Sylvia ********
I did a couple of monthly stays in Cambodia in the days of beautiful unspoilt coast of Sihanoukville. Obviously that's no longer an option and Kampot is only on a river.
I found motorbike taxi not to be registered so afraid who or where they take me.
I found lack of secure housing estates for expats
No agents or official offices for medical insurance and lack of good international hospitals
No tourist police, one friend had his passport stolen and it really was a nightmare getting assistance.
No country is perfect and now rules are more strict in Thailand and we register for tax, but as an aging expat my safety and health issues take preference
I found motorbike taxi not to be registered so afraid who or where they take me.
I found lack of secure housing estates for expats
No agents or official offices for medical insurance and lack of good international hospitals
No tourist police, one friend had his passport stolen and it really was a nightmare getting assistance.
No country is perfect and now rules are more strict in Thailand and we register for tax, but as an aging expat my safety and health issues take preference
Gina *******
Yes wasn’t sihanoukville beautiful 30 years ago? Now high rise Chinese casino raw sewage dumped in the ocean right there
ข้าว ********
Sylvia Corley what happened to sihanoukville? Im curious about that town. Never been.
Sylvia ********
ข้าว เหนียว the Chinese moved in, bought alot if the land from locals and built dozens of high rise blocks and casinos. All expats lost inexpensive accommodation and restaurants so moved to Kampot. Check You Tube video you can see how the city changed
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Sylvia ********
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BronzeNec**********
It’s even easier to live in your home country. Why not just stay home. What’s your point? People move to Thailand because they want to be in Thailand.
Stephen ********
But Cambodia's a shit-house compared to Thailand! You might as well say "hey come live in North Korea". People retire in Thailand because they want to be in THAILAND!
Julian *******
I spent 3 months in Cambodia, it’s not even comparable to Thailand and is a crime ridden country with poor healthcare and infrastructure and the food is expensive and poor. A retirement visa in Thailand is not a difficult process,
Gina *******
Food cheap
Terary **********
Julian Lewis How much are the girls? How are the girls?
Julian *******
Terary Apellido I wouldn’t know. I’m not a sexpat. I met my Thai wife in London 20 years ago where she was working in the healthcare sector.
John *********
Julian Lewis same, some of us know how to choose well 👌
Julian *******
John Hampton exactly. My wife was a master of Thai massage and both Arsenal and Tottenham used her when their physios failed. She also went on tours with bands like Radiohead and morrisey etc as well as boxing world champions. She taught Thai massage in London as she is qualified to teach. Not all massage girls offer sexual services. I met her because I came back from a world tour with such pain in my back from gigging every night for 7 months
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Julian *******
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Olli ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJulian Lewis Then why lot of people have alla the time problem with that ?
Todd *********
Olli Mäklin not everyone is smart. enough to sort out Thai visa it seems. Strange but true
Julian *******
Olli Mäklin because they choose to or are not properly prepared.
Yo***
Olli Mäklin That people are never happy anywhere. Nothing can satisfy them in this world. I am happy in Thailand. So no plan to move to other countries yet.
Julian *******
Young me too. I will die in Thailand, I live in a municipality where I’m the only westerner, I live rurally and enjoy a simple natural life with less materialism and freedoms lost in the west
Yo***
Julian Lewis Great! I would be the second foreigner there. 😊
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Yo***
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Sean **********
Olli Mäklin and why are you on her trying to get people to Cambodia? Operating a Scam center?
Colin *********
Sean Franjesh probably. Thailand has finally had enough of SCambodia and has severely disrupted its corrupt leaders and economy. Unfortunately, for the common people, the country is seemingly not much better now than when the Khmer Rouge were dominant.
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Steve *******
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Nev ********
The obvious answer to that is, it’s not Thailand.
Rob *************
If they would pay me I wouldn’t live in that corrupt shithole of a country. Sorry.
Olli ********
ORIGINAL POSTERRob Van Steijn Thailand in not corrupt country ? Then why ex-pm sit on jail ?
Colin *********
Olli Mäklin every country has it's corrupt people, including the occasional business people and the occasional Politician, but it's not very common for a country's past and current Political leaders to support crime like Scam Centres and People Trafficking, as Cambodia has been exposed for in recent years. No way I would live in a country with such corrupt leadership. Maybe the Cambodian people should follow the example that Thailand finally did with Thaksin and his daughter and oust for good the corrupt leaders.
Oh and you just said it yourself... "ex-PM" of Thailand. Justice finally caught up with him. When will it catch up with the Hun family of Cambodia?
Oh and you just said it yourself... "ex-PM" of Thailand. Justice finally caught up with him. When will it catch up with the Hun family of Cambodia?
Siri *********
Colin Boyland you clearly have no idea what youre talking about
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Siri *********
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Darren *********
Because i have no intetest in being forced to work in a scam center or held for ransom or killed.
Darren *********
But when you start a country by killing anyone that might be smart what can you expect.
Jim **********
Darren Johnson you talking about Thailand or Cambodia there ? Applies to both.
Reply to
Jim **********
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