VBF

In some ways you're right, except that modern technology offers choice for those who wish for it. Example...in UK I have one of my MasterCards linked to Google Wallet (formerly Pay) with the App on my phone. When I go to my regular supermarket my loyalty card is also on my phone, ergo my wallet never comes out of my pocket and I self-scan everything. THAT saves me time but I still have the choice to use my loyalty / credit cards or cash if I choose. The trick is to make the technology work for you, not the other way around.

Legalisation would make little difference (IMO) - people who are inveterate gamblers will usually find a way.

Sadly, all very familiar ????

Now about this bridge I have for sale........????

Interesting article - additionally and slightly some of these developments in Sihanoukville have turned a magical laid back beach paradise into a nightmare development, seemingly uncontrolled, as evidenced from the article. If you search, there are several articles on the old ThaiVisa, (presumably now on AN) all about Sihanoukville. Mind you, the Thais managed to "achieve" the same result on Phuket without casinos! Just the old adage "Money number one" was all that took ????

Nearly....realised in time!!! ????

Technically speaking, if you died and she continued to do that, she would be committing an offence under UK law whether it's a joint account or not. Now it's none of my business and I'm not trying to lecture you or be "holier than thou". BUT, if she got found out she could be prosecuted in the UK (I think it's classed as fraud) and told to pay the money back. The DWP could lock the bank account down. Of course if she never goes to the UK and the bank account was empty, there's little they could do ???? Having said that, a late friend who lived in Thailand for 30 years was sent a questionnaire by the DWP when he was in in his late seventies. The questionnaire basically seemed to be asking him to confirm he was still living at the address they had for him. I have no idea why, or how many pensioners get such a letter, just mentioning it in the light of what you said.

IF the death is registered in UK, the correct procedure is that the account is frozen until Probate is achieved. At that point the duly appointed Executor takes control of the account and is supposed to distribute its contents in accordance with the Will. When all monies are removed, the account is then closed by the Executor. If the death is NOT registered in the UK, then any use of the account is illegal as soon as the account holder dies. Having said that, I presume it happens but NOT something one could advocate! I had this issue when my Mother died (I was her Executor) and had to ensure there was enough money in her account to cover her household bills until I could get them all put in my name. Luckily I had full knowledge of Mother's financial affairs and everything went fairly smoothly. This was in 2014 and I don't think UK law has changed in this regard.

You said that and I answered it succinctly and as completely as anyone could You therefore appear to be either intentionally dense, or you're baiting or both. Have a nice day.

As close as it's possible to give a definitive answer considering it IS a rule but one that's not USUALLY enforced. If the OP is particularly nervous, he can just carry the cash for his own peace of mind. It's not exactly a fortune after all and doesn't have to be in Baht - can be the equivalent in USD (as the OP said) or UKP, Euro etc.

Quite so, but given the VAST majority of responses on this thread, I think we may conclude it to be a VERY rare occurrence.

Decent Levis (or any other quality jeans) and (collared) shirt are smart dress in my book. That's how I always travel. Old, dirty, worn jeans and scruffy T-shirt may not be considered smart by some in authority. Oh and back on-topic, been travelling to Thailand since 1985 on various different visas or visa-free entry and have NEVER been asked to show cash on arrival.

But as long as people are vaccinated, so what? Covid booster rollout to start in early September in England Based on that, my doctor in UK has just sent me a text advising about the next booster vax as I'm well over 50! I imagine countries in Europe are similar.

Thank you. So if I "popped me clogs" in Pattaya, my Executrix in UK could show my will to obtain the DC and then apply for Probate? At the same time tell the Embassy that she wants no part of pointless things like funerals and do as they please with my remains, which would be my wish.

So here's a different take on it: Someone like me who is single, lives in UK and spends 3-6 months in Thailand as a tourist dies while in Thailand I have all the documents sorted out in UK, Will, Executrix appointed, so if I die in UK it's pretty simple. I have NO religion, when I'm dead, just cremate and forget. (I've actually given her the option of donating my body to Science if she wishes) I have told my Executrix that on no account should she waste money and effort getting my dead body back to UK but under UK law there must be a Death Certificate for Probate to be enacted. I'd hate my home and other assets to be locked up for ever due to lack of Probate I wonder what would happen there. Would the Embassy at least obtain a DC? Anyone know?

I would suggest that these people are just hypocrites whose opinions are scarcely worth bothering about, even if they are "family".

Great post. A friend of mine used to say "You don't lose the girl, you just lose your place in the queue"

I realise that was said in jest, but, seriously, HOW was it found in this particular case? "...........found to have blisters on her body when she arrived at Suvarnabhumi...." Are people subject to random examinations on entry to Thailand, or what? (My post crossed with @PETERTHEEATER above)

Read that in the eighties and many of the tales in it are being repeated to this day. Bit like the old riddle Q: "How do you make a million from a bar in Thailand?" A: "Start with 2 million"