The Fugitive

Very good suggestion! It's Virgin Money who are objecting, let them tell you the solution. Then they need to tell HMPO too.

Worth knowing, thank you.

They did that to me at my local amphur. Must be a Thai female thing in wanting to know where you've been?

Don't worry Sir, all info appreciated thank you. Looks as if our banks are tightening up everyway they can!

May be a good idea in view of what I was told!

As you should. None of the COD nonsense! It was my own fault. Mesmerised by my shiny new Chase and Zopa cards I neglected my faithful Halifax Clarity.

Many thanks and top notch suggestion! I spoke to Elizabeth and Pamela at Halifax Customer Services. As you rightly advised, the reason for reduction was lack of recent use. It is their standard practice to reduce to £500 in case I had decided to 'abandon' the card and it fell into the wrong hands. I had to 'apply' for an increase in credit limit there and then over the 'phone by answering several questions. Unfortunately, my application was instantly rejected because my limit had only just been reduced. Apparently, there is a six months waiting period before you can apply for an increase following a reduction. I do have a right of appeal but I would have to do so in writing.

That could still happen in the future of course. However, at the moment, Halifax Bank permit you to have an abroad address and will send renewed/replacement debit and credit cards abroad.

A VOIP (Voice Over The Internet Protocol) service. I subscribe to 'VYKE'. For £12 GBP per annum you can rent a virtual mobile telephone number with a choice of several Countries. Enables you to receive/make texts and voice calls using your mobile data or your Wifi connection. So no more roaming charges or having to change your 'phone number. Some people use them to make others believe they are physically in that Country. However, technology exists to reveal whether your number is real or virtual.

That could be it! I took out a Chase current and savings account in June and have been using their current account exclusively because it presently gives 1% cash back.

I did previously, but switched back to U.K. address in June and already had a U.K. virtual mobile phone number upon my account.

Today received SMS from Halifax Bank that they have, with immediate effect, reduced my credit limit to £500. It had previously been £10,000 for several years. I've done nothing to offend them! Anyone else received similar?

That's what I've done. Changed all 'send to' addresses back to U.K.

Agree with that. Money is money and 50 years of previously well conducted banking counts for nothing because you may decide to stuff them or die with an outstanding credit card bill.

Many thanks for the detailed update! Previously, in my case, the issue definitely was a ban on sending any cards to Thailand. Fortunately, that now appears not to be the case. As you say, folks will have to try it out to prove it. Most disturbingly and something I wasn't aware of is their review of our current credit score. I had assumed it was a once only view before they would agree to open an account for you.

Exactly, that is the question. Were they sold (priced) as 'knock-off' which I understand to be OK. Counterfeit goods sold as the genuine item are, of course, illegal.

Even more interesting! It would appear they have ramped up security? Quite rightly too. When I last changed my address with Halifax Bank (June 2022) it was from my Thai address to my U.K. one. When I changed from a Paraguay address to a Thai address would have been back in 2017. Definitely didn't provide any proof at that time. But, of course, I was changing from an abroad address to another abroad address.

Thanks for that. Please let us know if successful. Interestingly, it was my Halifax Clarity Credit Card that got through to Thailand (and Paraguay previously). It was my current account debit cards that they intercepted, sent to my local branch who held them for a while before destroying them. So helpful!

With Halifax I've been able to change my address between U.K. and abroad online. With Santander if you wish to replace a U.K. address with a foreign one they require you to download a change of details form and post it to them. As you say, things can and do change.

Thank you for this. It would appear Agoda are no different to any other agent then? Pleased that you didn't lose out in the end!

Today telephoned Halifax Bank customer services and spoke to 'Nicola'. Was advised that renewed and replacement debit and credit cards can now be sent to Thailand addresses. Don't shoot the messenger if it doesn't work for you as I'm only relating what I was told. Good news providing all their staff 'sing from the same hymn sheet'. Previously they intercepted and destroyed my renewed debit cards but twice my credit cards 'slipped the net'. Should make life a little easier!

Useful warning thanks!

'Consequential loss/fraud' springs to mind. Lazada are understandably trying to distance themselves in this case. They could obviously remove/blacklist 'their' vendor. However, they maintain that they are not responsible for the actions of another vendor (fraudster) not known to themselves.

Most helpful info. Thank you.

The OP is asking about agents and airlines. The general consensus of opinion is that, particularly since Covid, flights should be booked directly with airlines. Agoda is recommended by many for booking hotels. However, you can also book flights through them. Would it not follow that if customers find them good for hotels then they might be good for flights also?