Liquorice

I raised 4 kids from the ages of 3-11.

I had to pack in my employment, but still worked full time on a self employed basis to fit in with school holidays.

I had to pay for after school care for an hour every day.

Other than child allowance, I never received a penny from the State.

Child tax credits wasn't around then.

I had a Court order for maintenance of the children from my ex.........10p a year!

After 3 years of self assessment, Inland Revenue held an inquiry into my accounts because I forgot to declare the 10p maintenance award.

Being contracted out for those years will also affect my State Pension payments payable in 3 years time.

My, how I wish I'd been born a generation later.

My kids were raised not to be spongers and work for what you want in life.

Obviously one of them was influenced by others and shown the easy route.

I strongly suspect as her kids grow she'll have more to keep her income stable.

I'm just starting an extension of 2 bedrooms and another en-suite.

My daughter suggested leaving the kids with her friend for a couple of weeks and coming over here for a break.

However she'll have to leave money for the kids, pay her friend for care, pay her flights and spending money.

She said she needs 3 weeks notice of completion of my extension to save up for the trip.

3 Weeks! Shit, I had to work 12 months to afford a vacation with my kids.

Personally, I have never been bothered by having to prove my relationship to my children, especially since this is regulated by The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. And to be perfectly honest, Thailand shines like a beacon of light when it comes to enforcing the rule. Hat's off!

Thailand never signed up.

They had talks but never got round to joining.

The UK has no agreement with Thailand, some Counties may have.

Child abduction in Thailand is not a Criminal offence, but a Civil case between the parents.

Child_Abduction_-_thailand.pdf

why on earth would any retired man want to start a family at retirement age only to find himself abandoned by the Thai wife to return to his home land to raise the kids alone.

Off topic but .........

In the UK, single parent family gets income topped up to 15kgbp/year (tax free).

And jumps to 1st place in the free housing queue.

Not to mention assorted little bonus like,

Free NHS, free dental, free glasses, free council tax, free NI contributions.

It's a great little earner.

Please stick to the topic and show respect to other members.

I've started a new topic about UK Benefits http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882388-uk-benefits-farce/?p=10247145 if anyones interested.

UK Benefits have been mentioned in a couple of other topics, but were off topic, so I decided to start a new topic.

When I read about the injustice of frozen pension being applied to UK citizens retiring to Thailand, and then on the other side of the coin the many who fleece the UK benefits system, it makes my blood boil, so I'm having a rant.

I have 4 children, all raised the same way, with the same values.

One daughter however became involved with a group of Muslims at College and became brainwashed.

I'm not racist, but I didn't like their radical attitudes and total disrespect for others.

My daughter took some vows and became a Muslim at 19 years of age.

Now aged 28, she has 4 children by 3 different Fathers, all Muslims

She's never worked a day in her life, lives in a nice 4 bedroom house and runs a 2 year old car.

She receives Income support allowance,.Housing benefit, Child allowance, Child tax credits and Disability payments.

One child was diagnosed as having OCD and behavioural problems (good as gold when he's left in someone else's care).

One child because of no sense of danger (runs out into the road).........Seriously!

She receives all her information about claiming and her rights from a Muslim community group.

The doctors who made the assessment for disability payments were also Muslim.

Totals over £800 a week in benefits, I kid you not, it's unbelievable.

She just informed me this week (on Skype) that her youngest (14 months) has been diagnosed with an allergy to dairy products (as she fed her with yoghurts)

and has also been awarded disability payments, so in April she plans to change the car and get a brand new one using the extra money to pay the HP.

It doesn't stop there! On top of the £800 + a week in benefits, she makes and sells Dummy Ribbons on e-bay, receives cash in hand from 2 of the children's Fathers and one of the Fathers has moved in with her. He works cash in hand but gets benefits as well.

I don't blame the people who give her the information or help her with the claims, it's the system that's at fault for allowing such blatant abuse.

It makes me seethe with anger when I know of so many Pensioners who have worked all their lives and paid taxes and NI contributions and now find themselves living on the bread line or in poverty.

By the way her NI contributions are protected and credited by the State, so she's on course to get her full State Pension.

Scoouse123,

Just curious why was he at fault as you were reversing out of your drive onto the main road. Where I come from that means you have to stop and let others pass. That is the way i have been taught anyway.

I must admit many years ago in the UK I was reversing out of a parking bay in a large hospital.

The aisle was clear as I started to reverse, then another car pulled into the aisle a few metres away. I stopped to see if he'd give me right of way but he was obviously in a hurry and went around the back of me, his rear panel catching my tow bar.

I was insistent he was at fault as I was static, but he wouldn't admit fault, so it went to insurers.

Within 24 hours my Insurer contacted me to advise I was automatically at fault because I was reversing from a parking bay and therefore my view would have been restricted (it wasn't). I was surprised and shocked to be found at fault automatically.

Your wife's Blue book will have the address as issued by the Amphur.

The Soi you live on may not be named, it could be a Village number (Moo), as in No 5 Moo 6.

If your still unclear go to your local post office who can give you the official address.

You certainly don't need a Yellow book for Immigration purposes, but they come in extremely handy for lots of other situations where you need proof of address.

Enquire at the local Amphur office that issue the Tabian Baans, your wife will know where.

The requirements vary from Province to Province.

I made an enquiry then prepared the documents myself including a translation of my passport.

I rent. so my landlady had to attend and sign the application form alongside my signature.

My book was issued 20 minutes later.

Several months ago a guy pulled straight across my g/f on her motorcycle and she had to lay it down to prevent hitting his car.

As she lay on the floor he opened the drivers door and said 'sorry' before speeding off.

The bike was badly scratched down one side, but the g/f has scars where her flesh was peeled off.

Two weeks ago a lad on a motorcycle trying to beat the lights at a junction, turned right and smashed straight into a small kid on the pedestrian crossing.

He stopped momentarily, but as other pedestrians tended to the young lad he tried to do a runner.

Instinctively, probably with what happened to my g/f still in my mind, I grabbed him by the back of his neck and dragged him off his bike and held him until the Police arrived.

At least the OP behaved like a responsible person and didn't try to do a runner like many Thais seem to do.

Off topic but .........

In the UK, single parent family gets income topped up to 15kgbp/year (tax free).

And jumps to 1st place in the free housing queue.

Not to mention assorted little bonus like,

Free NHS, free dental, free glasses, free council tax, free NI contributions.

It's a great little earner.

all courtesy of the tax payer for someone's foolish mistakes ???????????

Having children is never a mistake.

Don't get me going on that one!

15K a year is being conservative.

My middle daughter has 4 kids, 3 different fathers, never worked a day in her life and gets over £800 a week in benefits and allowances (£41,600 + pa) and she gets cash in hand from the Fathers. Just told me she's trading her 2 year old car in in April for a new one.

Very interesting news article being run by the BBC back in the UK.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35170419

I guess it's not just the members of this forum that feel they were unfairly tried.

Only the 2 Burmese lads know the real truth.

On evidence alone..........not guilty.

You'll have to do it in person between 4th and 8th to avoid a fine for late reporting.

The 9th is a Saturday.

The report date (2nd) counts as day 1 of the 7 so his latest date to report in person is the 8th.

Roles reversed.

I was a single parent in the UK, 4 kids aged 3 -11.

We went abroad every year and never once was I stopped and asked if I had permission.

I had full custody as it happened, but never asked for any proof.

Same surnames on Passports.

I suppose it helps if they call you 'Dad' at the appropriate moment.

You'll have to do it in person between 4th and 8th to avoid a fine for late reporting.

The 9th is a Saturday.

Famous last words: "They didn't ask for it last year."

Brilliant.........

OR

"They never ask me for Proof of Address"..............as they submit copies of their landlords or wife's Tabian Baan every year.

You can't make this stuff up!

"It may state DWP Pension on the website, but they accept any type of regular Pension or income as proof.

And you don't have to be 65 either to get a Non Imm O Visa."

This is not true. A friend of mine that has just arrived here went to Hull about 5 weeks ago and was refused the Non O based on state pension. He is 68 and had taken bank statements to prove his pension but they said they would only accept a DWP letter. He came away with a double entry tourist visa, fortunately he had gone on the 11th Nov and not a few days later.

Your friend didn't follow the procedure, that's why!

Now regarding UK Pensions and not specifically DWP Pension.

Any kind of Pension is accepted as proof of income be that a Thai Embassy or the British Embassy in Bangkok.

Your early statement that only a DWP pension is acceptable is totally incorrect and will mislead many members.

A letter from the Pension provider is required as proof of Pension, not Bank statements, and that form of proof is standard regardless.

I am 62 and not old enough to receive the State Pension from the DWP.

Perhaps you could explain Sandy, how I entered Thailand 2 years ago and got a subsequent extension based on retirement.

By all means let's stick to Pensions (any Pension) but don't give the wrong information about a specific type of Pension and the effects it can have on entering or staying in Thailand.

Bank statements showing regular income from whoever will be accepted

Again a false and misleading statement. You didn't read Sandy's post and the reason for his friends refusal.

Proof of income from Pensions will only be accepted by a Thai authority in the form of a letter from the DWP or Pension provider (Home Country) or a letter from

your Embassy (local Immigration). Bank statement will not be accepted as proof of Pension payments.

Bank statements may be accepted by the British Embassy as proof of State Pension (where it clearly states DWP) to obtain a letter for Immigration, but they usually require the annual Pension statement letter from the DWP.

My Private Pension paid into my bank account, does not make it clear the monthly income is derived from a Pension.

If I were married here, I'd put a bullet in my head....

Whatever happens with marriage here should be in the other thread about the airport immigration office.

As for retirement extensions, as I said, and others have as well, the requirements are not changing year to year.

By the way, I always take more documentation than I think I will need -- passport copies of all pages with Thai stamps on them, copy of something mailed to me (3BB internet bill) to my address and name in Thai, photos of various sizes and backgrounds, etc.

I am surprised that someone would be caught flat-footed and not have the proper photo or document, unless it is the first time they have ever been to an immigration office in their life.

Always be prepared, and that means come with everything you can possibly think of. Better to have stuff you don't need than don't have something you do need.

I've posted a list of documents required for retirement extensions before on TV.........with the disclaimer, 'that not all the above documents may be requested, but if you have them all at hand, it can save disappointment and wasted time and money, if requested'.

It was criticised by many members, with reply's.........I've never been asked for that!

Guess they didn't read the disclaimer first!

It was a general list not appertaining to any one individual Immigration office.

If anyone knows the specific requirements for Chiang Mai, print it, proof read it and ask if it can be pinned in the Chiang Mai Forum.

Just think of the topics;

90 day reports in person.

90 day reports by mail.

Extensions based on retirement.

Extensions based on marriage.

Re- entry permits.

30 day Visa extensions

I'll be sure to look in on page 36 of the criticisms it receives.

However helpful you try to be, the doubting Thomas brigade will appear.

My friend is now in Mukdahan waiting to cross the border first thing in the morning.

After reading the very useful link provided about legalisation, I can now explain his two options to extend his stay in Thailand.

Unfortunately he doesn't know how to turn a PC on and off, and thinks the internet is a type of ladies stocking

Thanks to all.

"It may state DWP Pension on the website, but they accept any type of regular Pension or income as proof.

And you don't have to be 65 either to get a Non Imm O Visa."

This is not true. A friend of mine that has just arrived here went to Hull about 5 weeks ago and was refused the Non O based on state pension. He is 68 and had taken bank statements to prove his pension but they said they would only accept a DWP letter. He came away with a double entry tourist visa, fortunately he had gone on the 11th Nov and not a few days later.

Your friend didn't follow the procedure, that's why!

Now regarding UK Pensions and not specifically DWP Pension.

Any kind of Pension is accepted as proof of income be that a Thai Embassy or the British Embassy in Bangkok.

Your early statement that only a DWP pension is acceptable is totally incorrect and will mislead many members.

A letter from the Pension provider is required as proof of Pension, not Bank statements, and that form of proof is standard regardless.

I am 62 and not old enough to receive the State Pension from the DWP.

Perhaps you could explain Sandy, how I entered Thailand 2 years ago and got a subsequent extension based on retirement.

By all means let's stick to Pensions (any Pension) but don't give the wrong information about a specific type of Pension and the effects it can have on entering or staying in Thailand.

Because they constantly change and modify what they demand.. From day to day and app to app..

And how easy would it be to make a printout, a poster, or a handout, that documented PRECISELY what they want ??

Pinned threads on ThaiVisa are not carved in digital stone. They can be updated, so if immigration changed something, or oscillated about photos sizes, for example, that could be reflected by updating the pinned thread, yes?

From my 10-years' experience, I have not found much change in the yearly requirements. They're not all over the map. No use hyperbolizing.

The point is that a ThaiVisa thread carries no authority.. Immigration setting a public rule does give a precise list, with authority !!

But they sort of are all over the map.. Just my own personal ones of the last few years..

Photos..

Printed on paper not OK.. Needed to be 'photos' stuck to paper.. Next year printed preferred.

Previous years demands for picture of wedding.. This year told no dont want wedding want stuff you do together this year, holidays travel etc..

Wanted pics of road entrance to house.. this year not want..

Maps.. Google map not ok must be hand drawn.. later.. Google map preferred..

Marriage proof.. This year even went and asked prior to the app and was told I must go get a new one annually.. Wife got one from amphur to be told, no just use the same one each year !!

Seasoning.. Didnt need a recent transaction.. recently needed one..

Considering some things have no possible interpretation all the rest is pretty damn vague.. Every officer plays their own rules and each one has to have a tut tut, this is a problem, if you wai me nicely I might just overlook and solve it..

Set a simple rule.. write it up.. and that in turn makes the officer stick to it.. Consistency breeds consistency !!

Your intentions are admirable and well meaning, however unless you compiled a list with example pictures of the documents, in many cases a list in itself would be pointless to many.

Like NancyL I help a few local expats that struggle to understand the system and identification of documents.

I prepared lists for these expats for such as mail in 90 day reports, extensions (marriage and retirement), obtaining and renewing Driving Licences and how to get a Yellow Tabian Baan and even then they quite frequently get it wrong.

When you've helped someone do their last 6 mail in 90 days, then leave them alone to do their 7th alone, only for them to screw it up by not knowing the difference between a TM6 and their last Entry Stamp, then you realise what Immigration are up against.

These are not stupid or mentally impaired people, the lights just don't switch on with the terminology used.

I just keep plugging away!

Thanks, I know he registered his son with the British Embassy and obtained a Passport for him.

Public sector pensions are never frozen though no matter where you live

And far bigger than the govt pension

Most public sector pensions are classed govt.pensions

Technicality with a subtle difference. The Non O visa can only be obtained with the government state pension.

It may state DWP Pension on the website, but they accept any type of regular Pension or income as proof.

And you don't have to be 65 either to get a Non Imm O Visa.

Depending on the purpose of your visit they can issue whatever they want are their discretion.

Faz, he can easily get either a non 'O' as a parent or being over 50 from Laos. The best advice would be for him to legalise his parenthood then he doesn't need to tie up 800k in his bank as you only need 400k in the bank on the day of application for an extension of stay based on being a parent.

Cheers elviajero.

Can you define 'legalise' his parenthood.

He can get a single entry non-o visa in Vientiane or Savannakhet based upon being the parent of a Thai. Just his child's birth certificate showing him as the father plus a copy and their house book registry would be needed.

He could also get a single entry non-o in Vientiane for being over 50 by showing his bank book with 800k baht in the account.

Thanks for the immediate response Joe.

I thought that was the case but I wasn't confident enough to confirm that to him.

Friend, village marriage, with 4 year old Thai son.

2 years ago he tried to get a Non O based on a dependant child from Hull, UK, who flatly refused.

He is named as the father on the child's birth certificate.

Since then he has been staying on double entry TV with 30 day extensions.

With the introduction of the new METV, only the single entry TV is available to him.

He now has the required funds saved (800,000) for an extension based on retirement (he is 52) but needs an O Visa to get the extension.

What are his options?

Bangkok, yes, but he's not keen on that idea if he can get it from one of the Embassies/Consulates in Lao or Cambodia.