柬埔寨是天堂，还是地狱？

Core Viewpoint - Cambodia is depicted as both a paradise and a hell, highlighting the stark contrast between its historical beauty and the current issues of crime and exploitation, particularly in online scams targeting foreign individuals [5]. Group 1: Economic Opportunities and Challenges - Cambodia has attracted many Chinese entrepreneurs seeking wealth, with reports of significant profits in the restaurant business, where a well-decorated restaurant can yield profits of 2-3 million RMB annually [7]. - The local economy operates on both the Cambodian Riel and the US dollar, with average monthly wages for local workers ranging from 300 to 400 USD, while dining out can cost significantly more, indicating a disparity in income and living costs [8]. - The rapid development of Sihanoukville (West Port) has led to a real estate boom, with property prices soaring to over 4,000 USD per square meter during peak times, but now facing a significant decline, with some properties dropping to as low as 200-300 USD per square meter [10][13]. Group 2: Rise of Online Scams - Cambodia has become a hub for online scams, with estimates suggesting that 10,000 to 150,000 individuals are held against their will to participate in these activities, contributing to an estimated 12.5 to 19 billion USD annually, which constitutes about 40% of Cambodia's GDP [17]. - The decline of the gambling industry, which was previously a significant source of income, has led to the rise of these scam operations, often protected by local political forces [15][17]. Group 3: Societal Dynamics - The Cambodian population is characterized by a mix of innocence and impulsiveness, with a history of turmoil that has left many vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation [21]. - The local economy is heavily reliant on remittances from Cambodians working abroad, particularly in Thailand, which contributes approximately 10% to the national GDP [20].