NanLaew

You have little idea of how immigration or any office works. You think they might not find out about it and not tax us? And of course you chaps are the forum sages on inter-government office bureaucracy in Thailand. As my late sister used to say, "There's absolutely no need to be afraid of the things you do not understand."

Why don't you post the evidence that supports your (totally wrong) interpretation of a how a dual taxation agreement works first? If you do that, it will eliminate wasted bandwidth, and greatly reduce wear-and-tear on the forum's BS filter.

Several UK banks, including Barclays, give the option to open a savings account via their app. However, I just checked on their app as I have a Barclays account, and despite this, one of the checkboxes for opening any sort of other account be it savings or ISA, it specifically asks, "Tell us where you're a tax resident".

I think that was his point. Point? How is asking about tax issues at the immigration office, "Asking for problems for yourself, and for the rest of us"? Some folks got to be scared of something, I guess.

Not sure everybody is with you on that. certainly not with the fox aficionados

Why? Immigration isn't the Revenue Department.

And this appears to be boiling your piss. Talk about "strange motivation", eh?

Probably because he was drunk...... Ooohh, look mum! A matching pair or ar5eholes!!!

A very well argued and presented opinion. Thanks.

For the OP, maybe check the following as an alternative to UK high street banking at Barclays. https://international.barclays.com/who-we-help/uk-expats/ A lower financial kick-off requirement ia available at NWI. https://www.natwestinternational.com/international-banking/current-accounts/international-select-account.html#overview

I stand corrected and should have been more specific. Old accounts with the "main" UK bank's international divisions are unaffected but they have increased their due diligence on existing account holders through more detailed KYC requirements. I believe there's a higher bar for those wishing to open a new offshore account, including declaration of domicile and minimum deposit. For example the NatWest International permitted domiciles are, "Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China (Expats only), Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (Non-domiciled only) or the United States of America." How recent was your experience opening a new account at Lloyds International? Are they Isle of Man or Channel Islands registered? Was it all achieved online or was there any face-to-face required?

There are three types of Guardian fans: those that despise the Guardian, those that really despise the Guardian and those that really, really despise the Guardian. I read the Guardian only to try and understand their hatred and why they are so upset, but it's not working. So here we are, all gathered together at another online anonymous Guardian haters backslapathon and hoping for enlightenment (but not holding my breath).

I have heard and read good things about Chase online and I see their savings account can earn 4.75% on new accounts. You need to have a current account first though. You apply for that online via their app.

Barclays have a reputation for closing accounts of those they suspect are no longer resident in the UK. No questions asked either.

Which country do you spend most of your time in? That would normally determine your tax domicile. Are you depositing your Saudi-earned, tax-free salary in a UK bank? A Thai bank? The simple days of declaring to HMRC that you are "non-resident and not ordinarily resident" doesn't hold the same guarantees as it used to. Opening an offshore account isn't too easy any more. Most of them, like the Isle of Man, are restricted to residents (and tax payers) of the Isle of Man. I recall the Channel Island "tax havens" are similarly restrictive. However, if you are a high net worth individual and can afford a half-million opening deposit and maintain a minimum amount of half of that at all times, there's still some banks that will welcome you. Maybe seek the counsel of a qualified financial advisor in the UK before opening another account there?

My DTAC unlimited 1-year expires in a couple of months. That's my second year of excellent 4G internet in my shed. I'm rather disappointed that Truemove is the only (more expensive) game in town as I have been True-averse since forever already. I'm not even sure if their coverage is the best here on the outskirts of Udon Thani.

So why did they BS about the three month seasoning that nobody else is asking for, immigration or agent? If they only really want the one-size-fits-all bank + 15 month option that's obviously easier for them, just say as much, no?

This unfortunate outcome sounds similar to having an undiagnosed case of Lyme disease. It is tick season in Thailand and although it's not endemic here, there have been a few instances of Lyme's specific pathogens being found in Thailand and Laos.

Google's AI assisted search engine says the maximum transit time where checked bags do not need to be collected and re-checked at BKK is 24-hours. The OP has 22-hours transit and says they won't need anything from their checked bags. So, assuming BOTH boarding passes are issued in Australia, he gets a visa-exempt entry, same as his wife on her UK passport, unless she wants to use her Thai passport. Keep in mind that the boarding pass for the second leg may not be issued at the point of origin, but may be issued at a Transit desk at BKK while still air-side (before immigration) so the OP better ensure they get their onward boarding passes BEFORE going to inbound immigration. Sorted.

Probably already gone.

Starmer's a joke in himself. He doesn't need script writers, even rubbish ones. Yes, and Badenoch is showing her lamentable lack of political savvy. But, what would you expect from a Tory?

You "happened" to be in Vietnam?

Enough with who is "distorting" or "redefining" what here. The guy in the OP is using the term "typical" to define those who may need to pay income tax. That's a term that doesn't exist when it comes to talking about personal income tax liability, here or anywhere. It doesn't matter if he's a naturalised anything or able to practice law here, it's just more white noise. Now click and subscribe...

With a one night stopover like the OP's, I would much prefer the bags be checked through to the final destination rather than faff about with baggage claim and re-check. A change of underwear and a fresh shirt doesn't take up much space in the hand-carry. Most hotels provide toiletries, toothbrushes and other amenities as a courtesy so no need to mess with the liquids rules in the hand carry either.

I was 40 when I had my brief, lucrative but seriously demanding stint as a Caribbean island beach club gigolo.