VBF

I believe that the reason so many UK banks are forcing expats to close their accounts is basically their fear of being caught up in the ever-increasing money laundering regulations. Once you're out of the UK they see it that they may become liable for any rules you may choose to break, plus they may see it as harder to verify what you tell them. I'm not saying this is reasonable but that is how it appears to me. That and, of course they don't see you as a valuable customer if you're miles away - a somewhat parochial view IMO. As regards offshore accounts (IoM / CI) they have traditionally been used by expat workers i.e. guys working in the Middle East or Offshore etc. They pay interest Gross which was an advantage "back in the day", but as the UK banks also do that, that's become irrelevant. When I was overseas, I found that the staff of these institutions were more empathetic with working across time zones, currency conversions etc. That may be where you might gain an advantage. As long as you could show that you were where you say you were, they were a lot more relaxed. There was a time when certain people could hide bank deposits from governments if they chose - Jersey and the IoM offered privacy (aka secrecy). These days, with the various Exchange of Information rules in place, I don't think that applies any more and from what you've said won't bother you anyway. Of course with modern communications (Online banking) things are far easier than when letters and faxes were the norm. Now I have to admit that my information is probably out of date as I closed my last offshore account over 10 years ago, but the general principle of expats using offshore accounts still applies I think. I found that private banks NOT closely tied to UK banks were actually more helpful - I used https://nedbankprivatewealth.com/ but one has to deposit significant amounts to qualify - in their parlance be of "high net worth" Any help?

@Keith5588 has already stated that he has a Thai driving licence and has no further need of a UK one but yes that's a valid point. Also Keith, bear in mind that as you're over 70, you probably know that any UK licence is only valid for 3 years at a time now, so once it expires, you're basically done. I'm coming up against that one next year when I turn 70, however I do live in UK so not a problem for me. Regarding bank accounts, I haven't read this whole thread thoroughly but have you considered banks in the Isle of Man / Channel Islands? They are more geared up for UK expats. Good luck with the move mate 👍

I agree. Ignoring all the mickey-taking comments, this guy made a silly mistake in taking a jet ski out in the dark, BUT showed he has balls when it went wrong - more power to him! 👍 And, it's rather nice (and unusual on AN) to read a report about a Saudi that shows him in a positive light. Respect to Mr Alamri. And before anyone responds, I do understand why there are so many negative comments about Saudis - I did my time "in the desert" 'Nuff said

Oh do naff orf sunshine.... and back at ya! 😂😂

Not as uncommon as you might think........ https://www.greggs.co.uk/menu/product/vegan-sausage-roll-1001657

Just an "FYI" for those interested in this subject. I usually travel from UK via Dubai where the drug laws are VERY strict and I would think detection is VERY efficient. For my last 3 trips to Thailand, I've had to bring 2 months supply of heart and anti-stroke medications. There are 6 different tablets plus a spray - none of the items is on any controlled or banned list but I also have a document listing what they are and what each ones purpose is. As these are prescribed by my NHS doctor, they are in packaging with my name on. I always get and print a current prescription, which I keep with the medication and above document all in a clearly labelled bag. This bag is in my hand-carry (obviously) I'm posting this because this is what I've actually done, and plan to repeat, as opposed to theoretical advice, (no offence @CharlieH ) and I've (so far) never been stopped anywhere on the journey.

Apparently rescued https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/britains-supreme-buys-typhoo-tea-out-administration-2024-12-02/

His eyesight seems OK though...... 😎🙄

Probably! The reason I say that is because, from what I've read on AN, different country's embassies set their own requirements. EG, I've only ever applied from UK which has the London embassy and no Consulates (any more) and I can tell you immediately what the London embassy requires, but I've read here that (for example) Germany might differ from UK as might Sweden etc. In fact I seem to recall posts saying that in the US, if you apply in person, whether to the embassy or one of the Consulates, it depends from which state one is applying. Seems strange to me but "it is what it is" My suggestion is to look at the first page of the site I posted earlier https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ This leads you to answer questions about your "Country or territory of passport/travel document" and your "Current location". I therefore assume that the content of the following pages will depend on those answers.

Thanks a lot 👍 I'll give it a try on my new phone, which presently contains my Thai SIM In passing, I totally agree with your various comments about only using Bolt for local / short trips - basically journeys where others might choose a motorcycle taxi. For longer trips I have a friendly taxi driver whom I've known for some years - she's already booked to collect me from SUV.

@Chivas Did you install Bolt on your phone before you left the UK, or wait to install it in Thailand? I ask because having just got a new phone (Android 14) I plan to use Bolt on my next trip to Patts in February. As you probably know, in UK you HAVE to set up a card payment option but you've just said (and everything I read here on AN agrees) that there is a cash option in Thailand, which is what I need. What's your "MO"? What happens if you cancel and they try to hit you with a cancellation charge? Thanks in advance....

Reminds me of the theory that an engineer's tool kit only needs 3 items: WD 40 - for when things that should move, do not Duct tape - for when things that should not move, do Large club hammer - for customers who disagree with the above

That reminds me of this (should probably go in the Jokes forum so do please move it if you wish.)

Bear in mind that one can no longer apply in person at all Look at the link I posted - the e-Visa is the only way to apply now (at least in UK)

I'm sure this isn't the first time THIS has been posted....... Girls will be boys and boys will be girls It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world, except for Lola

Given the history of inexplicable and apparently illogical changes to the system, I think perhaps your choice of the word "can't" might be better as "shouldn't" 🙄

Agreed - I was thinking that when I posted. Your concurrence simply illustrates how badly thought through the ETA actually is! Of course, as it hasn't actually been implemented (yet?) we none of us really knows what will actually happen. My personal feeling is that the ETA is only being considered to bring Thailand into line with USA and Europe in the eyes of "the powers that be"

Aren't those current requirements for an exempt entry? They're pretty much the same as the current requirements for a Tourist Visa from London. If that was implemented, the ETA would simply become a tourist visa in all but name!

I disagree. Take my situation, retired, living in UK with a permanent residence, do not have a "home" in Thailand, but visit Thailand for 58 days in January, so nearly 2 months. Then visit again in July for another nearly 2 months. Both trips I'm a tourist but by your definition, I couldn't then make a 3rd trip in November because that would take me into "4 to 6 months in the year" (say 175 days) territory returning to my home country at the end of each visit. I see that as tourism, don't you?

I can only reply from the UK perspective, BUT an e-visa is the generic term for ANY visa that one applies for online. IE, to get a Tourist Visa or Non-O visa one used to send one's passport, documents and payment to the Consulate or Embassy and a visa was stamped into the passport. To get an e-Visa one goes to https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ and uploads images / scans of passport and documents, pays online and submits the application. When granted, a document containing the visa details is emailed to the applicant who prints it and presents it to the IO on arrival in Thailand.

Sadly.....yes!!! 😥

My favourite Thai dish too, with the fried egg ("kai dow") - I generally order it "Pet" (spicy) and let the waiter laugh at me while I sweat over my lunch!

Ahhh... Your reply really choked me! 😆

Me too!

Wrong sort of Indian, mate 😆