AlexRich

Many years ago I attended a two week training session in Dubai with a financial advisory firm. One of the guys who presented is the head of one of the advisory firms mentioned in the article, although he is not named. I realised very quickly that it was all about selling financial "investment" products to expats ... with the emphasis on "selling" the product that generated the highest up front commissions and annual fees. They couldn't give a toss about whether the product was good for the client or not. I decided to make a quick exit ... I wouldn't do that to anyone, even people I don't like very much. 

My advice to anyone who gets approached (in a cafe or by a phone call) by anyone describing themselves as a financial advisor is to run a mile from them, and never agree to meet them. 

2 minutes ago, Wobblybob said:

Not at all, I am trying to research this injustice and reading 'he said she said' doesn't help in anyway, it would be nice to get hard facts instead of the usual negativity. I am not prepared to lie down without at first trying to find a solution to this and doing as much I can to resolve this ridiculous situation for myself at least, if other people wish to walk down the corridors of "we're all doomed" that is entirely up to them! 

The only way “around it” in my view is if the UK change the rules. But if they choose not to change the rules I think you won’t find a way around it without getting yourself in a great deal of trouble, and that will be more financially painful than a frozen pension. 

10 minutes ago, Wobblybob said:

A link was all I asked for, I wasn't looking for a sermon. 😀

Are you having a wobbly, Bob?

1 hour ago, Wobblybob said:

I think that is a possible answer to those willing to think outside the box. I did an internet search and it's possible to open a Philippine bank account on line without even going to the Philippines. Surely finding a Philippine address can't be that difficult. 

The problem is that is a “cunning plan” that even Baldrick would balk at. Countries are increasingly communicating with each other and swapping information on citizens. It’s only a matter of time before that ruse catches up on you and you’ll end up being prosecuted for fraud … not to mention having to pay back the extra with penalties, fines and interest. Simply not worth it.

Thats's quite a challenge. If the kids were 5 and 8 I'd say go for it, as they will eventually catch up and by the time they are taking important exams they will be on a level playing field. But at 13 and 16 they would have to be exceptionally intelligent, gifted even, to cope successfully with that level of change. The danger is that your well intentioned move has the opposite impact - it worsens their life chances rather than enhancing them. 

Perhaps it might make sense to stay in Thailand until they have both completed their education?

I had a small canvas backpack that I used to sling over my back when walking in Pattaya, including Walking Street. I noticed a tear in my backpack that looked as if it was made by a box cutter. I recall being stuck in the crowd whilst walking in this street, so I wasn't able to move as quickly as I normally do. Nothing was taken, so it was a failed attempt. It was quite a few years ago so I suspect this type of activity has been going on for many years. 

If you are walking in crowds best keep your bag in your hand and in front of you. Lesson learned. 

Best not to take any action off a phone call, especially if the caller is trying to rush you into doing something. Just go into your Bank or phone them on a number you find on the card or website, preferably using a different telephone from the one you used to take the call.

This situation is only going to get worse, so we all have to be hyper vigilant.

Just now, scottiejohn said:

Only if the Helo and the crew (ground and airborne) are on "alert 5"!

The time it took to respond beggared belief. The IDF would have known about the attack before any of them left Gaza. 

5 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   You've had long enough to think  about it , you've had six months to try and get your head around it .

You may as well accept that understanding the situation is beyond your capabilities and just too forget about it and to move onto a current subject, like what this thread is about

Move on, nothing to see here? I don't think so. The 7 October attacks are what led to the current situation in the Middle East, and need to be investigated thoroughly. Like 9/11, there was a lot going on that day that simply didn't make sense. You can get an Apache helicopter up in the air in 5 minutes, the slow response to the attack by the IDF requires investigation. 

On 4/9/2024 at 12:30 PM, bob smith said:

fake friendly or real?

 

bob.

For the most part, real. Bear in mind we are generalising, so there are plenty of villains in Thailand, like any other country. 

Dude looks like a lady?

The Artful Dodger escapes London, only to reemerge in Thailand. Thieving little bar steward.

1 hour ago, Captain Monday said:

Transexual? Do you mean transvestite?

You can’t say that anymore either the polite term is crossdressing. 

Yeah? Anything with a “trans” prefix. 

11 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

And how did you arrive at that conclusion Sherlock?

 

You need to get out more.

He is merely projecting his own desires onto others.

Russian drink driver. He’s described as a Russian driver? 

1 minute ago, flyingtlger said:

I thought the guy was shot in the face looking at the photos.....

Yes, a shot of vodka.

11 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

And sometimes, I wish I could wear a dress, or short skirts, like the men do in Scotland, but only in Scotland is the wearing of skirts, acceptable, for men.

 

 

Scots men don't wear skirts, they occasionally wear a ceremonial "Kilt", particularly at weddings or at Scotland football matches. No one wears one every day unless their job is a bagpipe player or they are involved in tourism. In any case, it is a battle uniform, not an expression of femininity.

The only Scots men wearing dresses or skirts are transexuals. And you'll find them in every country. 

No way. Given my exceptional beauty as a female I'd get tired being constantly hit on by Thai men, Toms and sleezy foreigners.