Last week I was in Siem Reap and I got a chance to meet my univ homie. We haven't meet each other for years. Then We discussed on various topic including job. It surprised me when he said he makes about 2k within one month, while his basic salary is approximately 150$ and I was so ashamed to tell how much I make per month. He is an immigration police officer. Now he is working at Siem Reap air port.

He might be exaggerating quite a bit. I find khmers do that (as do some foreigners) when talking about land deals, higher than normal salaries and so forth. It's also quite possible he makes that much, but you can find confort knowing you make your money in an honest way. Doesn't the prime minister only have an official salary of 2000$/month? Again, working for the government is always a good way of making money here... I like looking at the cars outside the various ministries when they have meetings. Amazing display of wealth considering the official salaries. Funnily enough, the only ministry with normal cars outside are the various branches of the ministry of education. Not much money to be made selling book and pencil donations I guess...

I know lots of Cambodians who earn more than that working honest jobs in the private sector.

Also their jobs have a future. The days where the low/mid level guys in government get a piece of the action are numbered.

The other problem with being involved in a line of work in which who you know means much more than what you know, is that it's extremely precarious.

I've personally seen two people go from being rich bong thom's with expressive cars and multiple villas, to nobodies with nothing overnight once they've overstepped the mark or a pawn needed to be sacrificed.

I don't envy anyone who lives that life. On the other hand no-one can take knowledge, skills and experience away from you.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote:He might be exaggerating quite a bit. I find khmers do that (as do some foreigners)

when talking about land deals, higher than normal salaries and so forth. It's also quite possible he makes that much, but you can find confort knowing you make your money in an honest way.

Doesn't the prime minister only have an official salary of 2000$/month?

Again, working for the government is always a good way of making money here... I like looking at the cars outside the various ministries when they have meetings. Amazing display of wealth considering the official salaries. Funnily enough, the only ministry with normal cars outside are the various branches of the ministry of education. Not much money to be made selling book and pencil donations I guess...

You are quite right,, some people, including some foreigners,,, that includes YOU, exaggerate. When the prime minister declared his income, along with many other government officials, I believe it was only $1200 per month.. But...but... but that does not mean that he has not had a 1,000.000.000 % increase every year since.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote:He might be exaggerating quite a bit. I find khmers do that (as do some foreigners) when talking about land deals, higher than normal salaries and so forth. It's also quite possible he makes that much, but you can find confort knowing you make your money in an honest way. Doesn't the prime minister only have an official salary of 2000$/month? Again, working for the government is always a good way of making money here... I like looking at the cars outside the various ministries when they have meetings. Amazing display of wealth considering the official salaries. Funnily enough, the only ministry with normal cars outside are the various branches of the ministry of education. Not much money to be made selling book and pencil donations I guess...

Actually he was not exaggerating. We are best friend and I am sure that he didn't lie me.

so how do they make so much on bribes at the airport? they squeeze teh group tours for fast service?

starkmonster wrote:I know lots of Cambodians who earn more than that working honest jobs in the private sector.

Also their jobs have a future. The days where the low/mid level guys in government get a piece of the action are numbered.

The other problem with being involved in a line of work in which who you know means much more than what you know, is that it's extremely precarious.

I've personally seen two people go from being rich bong thom's with expressive cars and multiple villas, to nobodies with nothing overnight once they've overstepped the mark or a pawn needed to be sacrificed.

I don't envy anyone who lives that life. On the other hand no-one can take knowledge, skills and experience away from you.

Honestly getting money from corruption is not what I want to do. It is my dream to see corruptionless in my country. I have a lot of potential to get to work in the government as I have many relatives who are currently working in the government. I just pay the bribe like my friend did and get a job. However I always felt that this is so wrong and I didn't want to do. I am happy with the amount of money I make from my honest job.

frank lee bent wrote:so how do they make so much on bribes at the airport? they squeeze teh group tours for fast service?

I think YES, however he didn't really tell me how they make so much money.

I wouldn't say it's the "only" way to get rich in Cambodia, but probably the most common method. And probably the easiest way too...

$2,000 a month seems quite reasonable, as their would be many ways for immigration officers to get extra cash.

Sure his bosses make even more.