Phnom Penh is a great alternative to any Thai city.
Of course Thailand is about 10 years ahead of Cambo in urban development but in PP you have every bit of the comfortable amenities that BKK has to offer for a cheaper price.
And even if it didn't have those, anything is better than having to deal with the unorganized Thai immigration.
"You want to stay here and have your children go to school here? Welcome, sir. Just pay the visa fee at the airport and then fuck off until you need an extension next year. Welcome to beautiful Cambodia oh, and if you want to work here just get a job and then change your visa to a work visa whenever you want."
you're right on the healthcare aspect tho. If you get sick a lot Cambo is not for you. Unless there's a new super modern hospital in PP I haven't heard of.
the main factor for me is that I can land in Phnom Penh and at the airport say "I am here to find a job" pay the visa fee and get a one-year visa to find a job
I can then change this visa to a work visa with a visit to immigration when I have a contract with my employer.
If you land in Thailand and say you're looking for a job they will pull you aside at Suvarnabhumi, make you feel uncomfortable, force you to empty your pockets and wallet and if you have enough cash on you say "If you pay us x amount we will let you into the country but you can't work here you piece of garbage foreigner, you're not Thai F U" and then you're 60 days from visiting a immigration office to extend your visa.
no bribery is everywhere, but it's more "optional" in Vietnam and Cambo. And they don't extort foreigners everywhere in those countries. The scams are not racist.