by Guest9999 » Tue Nov 23, 2021 9:47 am
Thailand started tightening visa regulations more than 10 years ago, probably to reduce the riffraff. The theory was, one might guess, that reducing the riffraff would somehow encourage a richer class of expat to park in the country.
Did some of that riffraff move to Cambodia? Yes. Was that horrible for Cambodia? Well I guess that depends who you ask, me personally, I didn't really notice a flood of white folks failing to pay their bills. Maybe a few more low life's, because the total numbers increased, but I'm not sure the % of dodgy folks increased.
Cambodian officials decided they needed to tighten expat oversight as well. The visa system changed, work permits were enforced and tax collection was formalized even for smaller businesses. Not thrilled by the changes, but easily understandable.
Tax collection and accurate oversight = OK, but chilliwilli has a point, Cambodia has other laws and regulations to stop bad activities. If Cambodia, reopening after Covid economic shutdowns, now wants to maximize the foreign income coming into the country, why not make it as easy as possible for expats to stay. 2022, Welcome rich and riffraff alike, 12 month visa extensions easily available for all entering on a $35 "Ordinary" Visa.
If they want to tighten up in 2023, do it then.
Thailand started tightening visa regulations more than 10 years ago, probably to reduce the riffraff. The theory was, one might guess, that reducing the riffraff would somehow encourage a richer class of expat to park in the country.
Did some of that riffraff move to Cambodia? Yes. Was that horrible for Cambodia? Well I guess that depends who you ask, me personally, I didn't really notice a flood of white folks failing to pay their bills. Maybe a few more low life's, because the total numbers increased, but I'm not sure the % of dodgy folks increased.
Cambodian officials decided they needed to tighten expat oversight as well. The visa system changed, work permits were enforced and tax collection was formalized even for smaller businesses. Not thrilled by the changes, but easily understandable.
Tax collection and accurate oversight = OK, but chilliwilli has a point, Cambodia has other laws and regulations to stop bad activities. If Cambodia, reopening after Covid economic shutdowns, now wants to maximize the foreign income coming into the country, why not make it as easy as possible for expats to stay. 2022, Welcome rich and riffraff alike, 12 month visa extensions easily available for all entering on a $35 "Ordinary" Visa.
If they want to tighten up in 2023, do it then.