Patronus

Saturday drove from Phanom Sarakham to Chachongsao, then Sunday Phanom Sarakham to Rayong.

Never had a problem with traffic or flooding! Where does this information come from?

Probably, the same person who is advising you on tax/pensions !

Pretty much the same as a numpty,Yee sir are a prime example of both!

Why can't Britts speak English?

Maybe they don't want to be understood?

I'm assuming he a Britt and not from OZ or NZ!

Please provide a translation in the future!

I'm English and know the word numpty but never heard of bampot.

The first result on Google was from the Urban dictionary - apparently it is Glaswegian for headcase......

More commonly spelt and pronounced as "balmpot"

Again what you consider a small minority of TV posters, negative comment's, I view as a large majority of TV posters express negative views of Thailand.

Total failure to comprehend the post from GH.

Read it again.

I have had negative experiences in Thailand..

That is not to say that I have not had negative experiences elsewhere in the world.

I have had more negative experiences in Thailand than elsewhere in the world.

I live in Thailand.

I believe that my statements fall firmly within forum rules and also support GH's point/s.

Well, I thought it was pretty clear. Unless you have a Work Permit, you can't add an international beneficiary bank account to your online bangkok bank. On top of that, the added account has to be in your name!!!

Seems like a good security point to me, if someone hacked into your account from China or anywhere else outside the country they cant transfer any money out of your account overseas.

Fantastic idea Charlie !!

maybe every international bank in the world could follow this 'security' procedure then we can all stay home and not be able to transfer money anywhere.

Whilst they are at it they could abolish all ATM cards - that would wipe out ATM fraud at a stroke.

I was told there isn't even a saying for common sense in the Thai language.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

They at least have the words:-

saa man sam neuk

Off to Sin City again Fatboy ?

The OTP system is excellent.

When out of the country I just keep my Thai sim card in a spare phone and switch it on if needed.

If I can also insert a question in here;

How long is an Income Letter/Affidavit from an embassy/consulate valid for an Extension of Stay for Retirement?

I thought I read at one time that Immigration will consider one valid for six months but I cannot find the thread now.

I went and got an Income Letter/Affidavit from the US Consulate on September 3 this year. I submitted a copy with my application when getting a Non-Immigrant O visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane on September 5. I'm hoping I can use the same one next month when I apply at Chiang Mai Immigration for a one-year Extension of Stay for Retirement.

The American Embassy in Bangkok issued a letter with documentation that Thailand Immigration, as of May 29th, has extended the validity period for the Income Verification Letter from 15 days to 6 months.

Yeah, I was referring to an Ext of Stay for Retirement.

For a retirement extension you will need to show 800k Baht in the bank or 65k Baht p.m. income (embassy letter) or combination of both i.e. 32.5k Baht income and 400k Baht in the bank.

Full details in "retirement extension" threads.

The over 65 OAP income is an anomaly, in my view, that only applies to visas issued in the UK and surely cannot last for very long.

They only want to see money in a Thai account if you use the 800,000 baht available method

If you have incomes into accounts in your home country totalling 65,000 baht per month an embassy letter confirming this has always been enough financial evidence.

I hope that this is still the case

Indeed. For the income method it is up to you to evidence 65k Baht p.m. (or equivalent). There were stories a few years ago of the US embassy not even looking at evidence - they were happy to provide a certificate. A recent story suggested that the British embassy was 'helpful' in applying a generous exchange rate...

No.

For a Non Imm O visa issued in UK you just need to show 3 months state pension payments going into your account (irrespective of the amount).

BUT, for an extension of stay the normal retirement/marriage rules apply.

Ohhhhhhhhhh get you, Spain have always been pretty decent. Ok they didn't qualify for the 1970 and 1974 world cups but that's really holding a grudge is it not?

This is the beauty of the England 'fan'. The teams sucks, they are rescued by some guy who couldn't get a game at Spurs last season and now Roy Hodgson is brave and the England team courageous. Look at the group. It was shocking. We should have walked it. We were polaying the long ball 3 games ago, in 2013?!? And the build up begins. Brave because he dropped James Milner? 555 amazing. The fact that Milner was in the side highlights everything that is wrong about the England football team. Danny Welbeck is a donkey who if he were at Villa for example would have been watching the game in his front room. Gerrard and Rooney are class, Lamps has been a decent servant. Baines will be back on the bench once Cashley Hole is fit.

If I was at Villa, I would rather be watching from my front room !

Over 65 with a "pension" can obtain a multi-entry visa from their home country.

If the persons pension income does not meet the requirements of obtaining an extension of stay they have to leave Thailand once the visa expires. (If used wisely 15 months approx can be obtained.)

From what I know it is unlikely that a multi-entry visa based on being over 65 could be obtained from any nearby country.

Expensive return flights to the home country for the purpose of obtaining back to back "over 65" visas is likely to be a significant deterrent if one only has a limited income !

It suits a friend of mine as he was divorced (so could longer get a marriage extension) and it gives him 15 months to find another wife

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

You cannot claim exemption from UK tax. ANY income derived from the UK is subject to UK tax,as all of us living in Thailand well know. Your best bet is not to inform the UK authorities that you are,or intend to live in Thailand, keep an address in the UK or one of the countries where they do receive the yearly increase, therefore ensuring that you receive the yearly increase that YOU have paid for.

No, sorry your incorrect.

If your intention is going to permanently live abroad in a Country with no reciprocal agreements with the UK you can deregister with Inland Revenue.

Any income or interest from the UK is then not taxed.

However you should declare this income for tax in your resident Country............but who does!

Of course you have to complete a number of forms. Inland Revenue will supply the forms.

You will not get annual pension increases.

OK, so you'll lose out by an increase of £120 to your state pension next year, but you'll save far more in not paying taxes.

None so blind as those who will not listen:-

If you're retiring abroad you need to tell HMRC. They will work out:

• your tax liability in the UK
• whether you'll need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return
• whether you are owed a tax refund

HMRC will send you form P85 to get any tax refund you're owed.

Once you've retired abroad, even if you're classed as being 'non-resident' for tax in the UK, you'll still pay tax on most pensions you receive from the UK.

Other than Phuket I don't recall any recent reports of immigration asking for additional proof of income.

I always have my Thai bank book with me though as a just in case measure though.

I knew I had seen something.

Maybe just a Phuket thing then.

I am the same as you. I try to cover every eventuality.

Maybe I am getting paranoid.........

Understandable - you are a Derby fan

You Reds!!

I do not condone pretending to the UK Gov that u live there if you live in Thailand. I also read somewhere that Thai wives will not be entitled to UK pensions after death of British husbands. This is in a way fair coz they have never to a large extent contributed to UK tax system but of course the UK Gov needs the dosh to pay the Poles, Rumanians, etc etc etc who live in the UK. Seriously tho dont let them pay to a Thai account as you dont have any measure to control possible exchange rates, mine is paid to UK bank and I draw it quarterly or when I need it at 17 quid a go, much better than paying that every 4 weeks!!

Anyone having their pension paid to Thailand would save GBP 68 per year as there is no charge attached. The onshore rate processed through Bangkok Bank is likely to be a tad lower than sending Sterling to Thailand.

You have to take the prevailing rate each 3 months, with 13 pension payments over the course of the year there is an element of "Pound cost averaging".

As stated before, many expats cannot afford the luxury of 4 transfers a year.

I think Dr Robert is either a troll - or a moderator with a second user name !!

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

You cannot claim exemption from UK tax. ANY income derived from the UK is subject to UK tax,as all of us living in Thailand well know. Your best bet is not to inform the UK authorities that you are,or intend to live in Thailand, keep an address in the UK or one of the countries where they do receive the yearly increase, therefore ensuring that you receive the yearly increase that YOU have paid for.

Even though that would be illegal.

The law determines who should get the increase (fair or NOT), not posters like nontabury

No! not posters like me, or the vast majority of ex-pat pensioners who are also being cheated by the British government, Explaining that the country cannot afford to pay pensioners,what they have paid in, while at the same time this same government seems to have the financiers to pay non contributed benefits to 600,000 foreign claimants.

Oh, how I wish Bendix was here to argue his one-track view that you are not entitled to a pension and payment is entirely at the discretion of the UK government.

I do hope this isn't an enquiry about claiming to be in the UK and so getting your pension increased over the years in line with UK inflation versus claiming to be in the UK and having the pension amount frozen for the rest of your life. If you're resident in Thailand that would be fraud.

Correct. It is fraud and fraud is a criminal offense though legal action is unlikely provided arrangements are made to repay what was claimed fraudulently though it would not surprise me if penalties and interest charges were raised in the future.

I keep hoping that when I get my state pension in 8 years that the UK government will have relented and will give everyone the annual pension increases. If the government find out after you've died they'll simply take the amount overpaid out of your estate.

You might want to take a look at this link as it relates to index-linking. If you are "officially" resident here, it appears your pension won't be indexed-linked. Thailand does not have a social security agreement with the UK(. Better to have it paid in to a UK account (or somewhere else in the EEA) and then transfer it over.

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/state-pension-for-people-living-overseas

Why would you suggest having it paid into a UK account when someone is living in Thailand ?

It is more cost effective to have the Pension Service pay to a Thai bank account.

All my income is paid into my UK bank account from where I transfer funds to my account in the Isle of Man. I then transfer funds once or twice a year to my account here.

Alan

Alan, you will understand that some people need a more regular flow of funds - monthly, or even weekly in some cases.

I claimed my pension while living here in Thailand, no problem at all, you have the option of having it paid into a U.K. bank account or they will send it direct to your bank in Thailand.

Ensure that if it is being paid into a Thai bank that they send it as Pounds Sterling or you will have a lower exchange rate.

If you've told them you're living abroad, ie here, your pension will be paid into your Thai bank a/c at the current exchange rate. They don't send in sterling.

I believe they use Bangkok Bank. They will, of course, pay Sterling to a nominated UK bank account.

From Buriram I have stopped at Pitsanaluk. I believe I went to Korat then 201 and ontoroute 11. Google directions will help.

Contact Thai Visa member Kwaibah - he regularly travels Kap Choeng (Surin) to Chiang Mai but he does it in one go.

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

I would make some more enquiries because you are wrong on a couple of counts.

All income derived in the UK is taxable. You will have a tax allowance and the cosde will be given to your pension provider. They will deduct tax at source.

If you become non-resident any rental income should have tax deducted at source - certainly in the case of a letting agent being used. You can apply for tax not to be deducted.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-leave-uk.htm

I will stand corrected but I believe your pension increase strategy is also flawed. The increase would only apply for the duration of your stay in the UK

I do hope this isn't an enquiry about claiming to be in the UK and so getting your pension increased over the years in line with UK inflation versus claiming to be in the UK and having the pension amount frozen for the rest of your life. If you're resident in Thailand that would be fraud.

I must admit, I am vaguely interested in what will happen when I retire, as I can see me spending rainy season (April - October - i.e. Summer), living in the UK, while wintering in Thailand. Would my pension be frozen while in Thailand, then jump up again each time I'm back in the UK. - and when I return to Thailand, would it still be frozen at the rate when I retire, or does it reset to the rate when you last lived in the UK.

Given the recent changes to restrict FULL state pensions to people with 30 qualifying years of contributions, and the fact I've spent 12 years abroad, I'm not even sure I'll end up getting a full state pension. I am not intending to rely on it, because western governments are bankrupting themselves with entitlement spending and I fully expect them to run out of money paying pensions for the "baby boomers". They might end up deciding that the way to deal with the obvious unfairness of the frozen pension retirement country lottery (pension frozen if you retire to Thailand or Canada, not frozen if you retire to the Philippines or the USA, etc.), is to simply freeze the pensions of everyone.

Qualification for a full pension is changing to 35 years.

You can make voluntary contributions,

You will run out of money before any government does (obviously, USA being the exception)

As someone who informed the authorities of my residence in Thailand and who subsequently receives a non indexed pension, even though I did make NI contributions for 44 yrs. I would advice the OP to keep it secret where he now lives, and to have his pension paid into his UK bank, and in doing so he will received it indexed linked.

I'm sure some people will reply that I am encouraging fraud, well in my opion and that of tens of thousand of other pensioner who are in the same situation, the British Government committed fraud when they took my Ni from me with no intention of paying me a fully indexed pension simply because I reside in Thailand.

I find myself agreeing 100% with this post, and yet...................... the law is still the law, two wrongs don't make a right, blah blah blah