In the other thread on this subject I posted the translation (and a link to the french article) on what was told to the Directorate General of Cambodian Immigration at the French Embassy (I think is how that reads... I don't read french and google translate is google translate):

https://cambodiaexpatsonline.com/viewtop ... =30#p28393

Essentially it comes down to only people working, investing or operating a business need it and for those who haven't had it there is no retroactive enforcement taking place. This is a moving forward only situation. People who are self employed (for example, a small homestay business) apparently are a concern (income without taxation) but not a major one at the moment.

Edit: Rereading that, I'm not sure about the self-employment thing if you own a registered Cambodian business as a shareholder. It seems to only apply to freelancer type self employed. From the seeming conflict of "freelancer, who would be a 100% owner, has to pay" vs "shareholder does not have to pay" i'm sure there's going to be some nuanced technicality that no one involved ever really understands and arbitrarily wants to enforce. The safe bet may be getting one regardless.

Yes, I read that article; it is simply a matter of who to believe-someone well placed in the French Embassy or a spokesman from the ministries of labor and interiors. " In July, the ministries of labour and interior announced their intention to begin enforcing laws requiring foreign workers and expatriates to hold work permits. Time will tell, thank your for your input.

Re: phuketrichard who wondered if I had enough money for the fine. Most likely but for reasons stated the money belongs to my family. As for native country my retirement funds are insufficient to live there plus I have no living family there nor friends. I have been abroad many many years. I am quite old, certainly too old to find meaningful work.

"( unless i live to be 100). Well, I certainly hope you make it, in fact I also hope that Cambodia doesn't become transmogrified into a parking lot for Thailand and Vietnam by that time. Thanks for your concern.

"you say its a one time fine of 400,000 r which is way better than they are telling me." you're confused I never quoted a price of my own. Perhaps a quote from a newspaper, but not one of my inventions. Also, our family lives in the "new" gerrymandered province of Tbong Kmum. Plus the corrupt money my wife is supposed to pay for her home stay license is now 300,000 r as opposed to $15 paid for previous licenses. The new province is clearly funding itself on the backs of honest workers. I've had it in this country with no future.

I never said that either. Neither of us knows what's going down with the govt.
My decision will be based on their greed which is legendary. But until the shit hits the fan, I'm merely exploring options none of which currently include Vietnam.