Cambodian Government Targets Foreign Retirees With New Policy

**boloa** · 13-02-2016, 10:56 AM

Cambodian Government Targets Foreign Retirees With New Policy

BY KANG SOTHEAR AND TEJ PARIKH | FEBRUARY 11, 2016

The government is planning to boost Cambodia’s attractiveness as a second-home tourist destination for foreign retirees, according to a draft policy obtained from the Ministry of Tourism Wednesday.

The draft includes a range of proposals to extract more income from Cambodia’s tourist industry by encouraging foreigners to buy property and stay longer in the country, with involvement from the ministries of tourism, finance and land management.

The proposed policies include the development of “special residences” throughout the country consisting of commercial tourist properties and a wide range of complementary facilities. “Special tourists” would have the right to buy, rent or sell property in these residences, and also be entitled to longer-term and more flexible vi[at]sas, according to the draft.

While many of the details have yet to be finalized, Ho Vandy, man[at]aging director of World Express Tours and Travel, was hopeful that it would ease restrictions and allow tourists to own private ground units, which would draw higher-value tourists to the country.

“These proposals look to attract retirees who have more disposable income and tourists with a higher budget who wish to visit Cambodia regularly with family,” said Mr. Vandy, who is also an ad[at]viser to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.

“At the moment I think the government is considering national parks and coastal areas for development, which attracts these kind of people.”

In International Living Maga[at]zine’s 2016 Global Retirement In[at]dex, released last month, Cambo[at]dia ranked 21 out of 23 countries recognized as the world’s best re[at]tirement havens.

Cambodia first entered the in[at]dex in 2014 and this year received the top spot for the “cost of liv[at]ing” category, but ranked less positively for “infrastructure,” “healthcare” and “benefits & discounts.”

The proposals laid out in the new policy, however, represented a move toward boosting the country’s international competitiveness in attracting foreign retirees, said Alexis de Suremain, a hotelier in Phnom Penh.

“Legally, people want to be able to own condominiums and villas to retire by the sea, and Malaysia and Thailand are the reference point for this,” Mr. de Suremain said.

“At the moment, people would not be allowed to own their property or land—but I know many are looking to settle down in Kep and Siem Reap.”

If the government can im[at]prove the country’s infrastructure and in[at][at]ternational image, there is a real op[at]portunity for Cambodia to at[at]tract retirees, Mr. de Suremain added.

“In addition to these proposed resort areas to buy and own villa and land, security and medical-care facilities need to be prioritized to really draw in the elderly retirees,” he said.

https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/g...policy-108126/

**Dragonfly94** · 13-02-2016, 12:45 PM

Thailand being left behind again

**sabang** · 13-02-2016, 01:18 PM

I think the Thai establishment might open up more opportunities for retirees from China, but mouthy falangs and their pesky freedoms won't be missed (no doubt the democratic vote is Our fault). I'm interested to see how this pans out- it might be a very interesting alternative, given the woeful trends in Thailand. Then again, it might be done the Chinese way of just having overpriced farang enclaves that offer no real economic benefit, except to local developers and whoever's palm they grease. We'll see.

**Latindancer** · 13-02-2016, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by boloa

“In addition to these proposed resort areas to buy and own villa and land, security and medical-care facilities need to be prioritized to really draw in all that lovely money” he said.

Corrected

**Baas Babelaas** · 13-02-2016, 01:58 PM

Unfortunately, Cambodia is a complete shithole, from top to bottom.

**Dragonfly94** · 13-02-2016, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by sabang

I think the Thai establishment might open up more opportunities for retirees from China, but mouthy falangs and their pesky freedoms won't be missed (no doubt the democratic vote is Our fault). I'm interested to see how this pans out- it might be a very interesting alternative, given the woeful trends in Thailand. Then again, it might be done the Chinese way of just having overpriced farang enclaves that offer no real economic benefit, except to local developers and whoever's palm they grease. We'll see.

Several Chinks living in our moo baan, all bought there own homes somehow and never seem to have visa problems. One told us this week she paid 6k for a year visa, knocked them down from 10k. Obviously some under the table deal, told her I had to have 800k in the bank and she thought that was crazy!

**harrybarracuda** · 13-02-2016, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Baas Babelaas

Unfortunately, Cambodia is a complete shithole, from top to bottom.

Sure it's a bit behind but it is catching up fast, and it has the added bonus of the lack of a population who think the sun shines out of their arse and treat visitors like shit.

I sas this farang in a market in Siem Reap selling his own handmade art to tourists.

I asked my local friend if he wasn't risking arrest.

She told me the government doesn't care about things like that, they let people do what they do as long as it's within the law.

Try that in Thailand: Your feet wouldn't touch the ground because a load of Thais would be snivelling about how you're taking their jobs.

**rickschoppers** · 13-02-2016, 02:54 PM

Now with Cambodia and Vietnam allowing foreigners to own houses, what are the chances of Thailand following suit in this decade?

I would settle for more relaxed visa requirements.

**RPETER65** · 13-02-2016, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Now with Cambodia and Vietnam allowing foreigners to own houses, what are the chances of Thailand following suit in this decade?

I would settle for more relaxed visa requirements.

What is so hard in procuring visas for Thailand? I assume you are retired and married to a Thai.

**rickschoppers** · 13-02-2016, 05:50 PM

Just a thorn that could be removed if Thailand were to give easier extensions, unless you think showing money in a Thai bank, pictures of you and your wife in and around your house, a home visit from immigration, copies of marriage certificate, and about 6 other documents is easy.

Personally, I think after you have done this process once, you should not have to repeat it yearly.

**RPETER65** · 13-02-2016, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Just a thorn that could be removed if Thailand were to give easier extensions, unless you think showing money in a Thai bank, pictures of you and your wife in and around your house, a home visit from immigration, copies of marriage certificate, and about 6 other documents is easy.

Personally, I think after you have done this process once, you should not have to repeat it yearly.

You have to show all of these documents every year? Wouldn't you be better of showing proof of income rather than have the money tied up in a Thai bank?

**thaimeme** · 13-02-2016, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Baas Babelaas

Unfortunately, Cambodia is a complete shithole, from top to bottom.

Hmmm...
Perspectives will vary greatly.

Especially if one is vacant of values and connections.

**rickschoppers** · 13-02-2016, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by RPETER65

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Just a thorn that could be removed if Thailand were to give easier extensions, unless you think showing money in a Thai bank, pictures of you and your wife in and around your house, a home visit from immigration, copies of marriage certificate, and about 6 other documents is easy.

Personally, I think after you have done this process once, you should not have to repeat it yearly.

You have to show all of these documents every year? Wouldn't you be better of showing proof of income rather than have the money tied up in a Thai bank?

Yes, every year if you opt for an extension. I have always gone back to the US to see family and friends for a couple of months and just get a multiple entry O visa which takes minimal documentation and can be done by mail. It is the extension that is a pain in the ass. I would show proof of income to satisfy the money aspect if I ever quit going back home for yearly visits.

**RPETER65** · 14-02-2016, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Originally Posted by RPETER65

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Just a thorn that could be removed if Thailand were to give easier extensions, unless you think showing money in a Thai bank, pictures of you and your wife in and around your house, a home visit from immigration, copies of marriage certificate, and about 6 other documents is easy.

Personally, I think after you have done this process once, you should not have to repeat it yearly.

You have to show all of these documents every year? Wouldn't you be better of showing proof of income rather than have the money tied up in a Thai bank?

Yes, every year if you opt for an extension. I have always gone back to the US to see family and friends for a couple of months and just get a multiple entry O visa which takes minimal documentation and can be done by mail. It is the extension that is a pain in the ass. I would show proof of income to satisfy the money aspect if I ever quit going back home for yearly visits.

That is evactly what I do, two pictures,copy of marriage lisence and $120, maybe 10 minutes at the consulate in Portland.

**PeeCoffee** · 14-02-2016, 10:50 AM

Yes RPETER. You make visa in the States thereby no problem and easy to do if one is flying out of Thailand.
After paying a min THB 50,000 for air travel with no accomodations it appears to be much less expensive to renew the extension here , if one has the dosh in a bank.

Again you still have the 90 day reporting requirement.

**jamescollister** · 14-02-2016, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Dragonfly94

Several Chinks living in our moo baan, all bought there own homes somehow and never seem to have visa problems. One told us this week she paid 6k for a year visa, knocked them down from 10k. Obviously some under the table deal, told her I had to have 800k in the bank and she thought that was crazy!

No reason anyone can't do things that way, plenty of places advertising, retirement, no money needed, home ownership. work permits, know one guy pays , 20,000 Baht in Pattaya for a work permit, runs a used car yard in Issan.

Problem is they are not really legal, you could get away with it for your life time, but fall foul of the wrong people, or the agent gets done and your in shit.

**terry57** · 14-02-2016, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Dragonfly94

Thailand being left behind again

You're welcome to it mate. Cambodia ain't a patch on Thailand .

Fooking shit hole in comparison.

**terry57** · 14-02-2016, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Try that in Thailand: Your feet wouldn't touch the ground because a load of Thais would be snivelling about how you're taking their jobs.

Well that's a lot of bullshit Arry.

Tell that to the old Dodger who has been playing his Guitar everyday on Silom for the past year or so.

He is even doing it at the weekly Sunday market on Silom right next to the Thais who are busking.

Cops everywhere yet there he is.

Also no shortage of Farangs in other places doing food business and what not.

Thailand should fuk these spongers off, maybe you can have a word Eh Arry.

**RPETER65** · 14-02-2016, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by PeeCoffee

Yes RPETER. You make visa in the States thereby no problem and easy to do if one is flying out of Thailand.
After paying a min THB 50,000 for air travel with no accomodations it appears to be much less expensive to renew the extension here , if one has the dosh in a bank.

Again you still have the 90 day reporting requirement.

I have never paid over 35,000 Thai baht for airfare.

**harrybarracuda** · 14-02-2016, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by terry57

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Try that in Thailand: Your feet wouldn't touch the ground because a load of Thais would be snivelling about how you're taking their jobs.

Well that's a lot of bullshit Arry.

Tell that to the old Dodger who has been playing his Guitar everyday on Silom for the past year or so.

He is even doing it at the weekly Sunday market on Silom right next to the Thais who are busking.

Cops everywhere yet there he is.

Also no shortage of Farangs in other places doing food business and what not.

Thailand should fuk these spongers off, maybe you can have a word Eh Arry.

Where is it you live again Terry?

**Dragonfly94** · 15-02-2016, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by jamescollister

Originally Posted by Dragonfly94

Several Chinks living in our moo baan, all bought there own homes somehow and never seem to have visa problems. One told us this week she paid 6k for a year visa, knocked them down from 10k. Obviously some under the table deal, told her I had to have 800k in the bank and she thought that was crazy!

No reason anyone can't do things that way, plenty of places advertising, retirement, no money needed, home ownership. work permits, know one guy pays , 20,000 Baht in Pattaya for a work permit, runs a used car yard in Issan.

Problem is they are not really legal, you could get away with it for your life time, but fall foul of the wrong people, or the agent gets done and your in shit.

They are not legal at all. 20k seems to be the falang price, cocky Dutchman used to pay that every year at our old condo, until he got caught ha ha. I'd rather be legal and not have the worry.

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