PPGuy

Oh for a time machine..... Was in Pattaya for about a year in total during 1990/91 and this video brings back many great memories.

Who said Finns don't have a sense of humour.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We5S2JoVS70&t=254s This is a link to a recent TNT youtube local news video. Tim Newton, the presenter, confirms that he knew of the guy, who called himself Peter Smith, and he had been working in Phuket for a number of years. For those interested, he will be giving more info on his Saturday video.

Seems like a posters request for a follow up has been answered......... https://www.thaipbsworld.com/russian-tourist-on-pha-ngan-island-accused-of-pregnant-woman/

As expected, the Daily Mail is not shy at reporting on this........ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13112527/british-tourists-thai-transsexual-prostitute-brawl-stabbed.html

Maybe they were past members of the Queen's Own 'Cameroonian' Highlanders.......

I have used Thai Euro Law Office for a number of years for services of their registered NP. Latest was around October 2023. They have always charged me Bt500. They are located opposite to the side entrance to Big C next to South Pattaya Road, close to Sukhumvit Road. Near to Key Visa office / B-Quik service centre.

There have been previous reports that those in receipt of pensions from Norway, normally taxed in Norway, can have this tax waived if they can show they have declared this income in Thailand and paid paid any Thai taxes due on that income, even if the Thai tax computes to less than the calculated Norway tax. That is under the terms of the DTA between Norway and Thailand. https://aseannow.com/topic/1047340-is-retirement-income-subject-to-income-tax/page/2/ (post near top of pg2) I recall seeing comments from those in receipt of pensions from Norway who do file their tax returns in Thailand showing pension income. No idea if this applies to pensions paid by other countries.

Property loans are easily transferred between loan companies by way of updating chanotes at the Land Office and concurrent settlement of outstanding loan balance. The Land Office has to be fully satisfied before they will agree to any updates on the chanote, with the agreement of the original loan company, and no loan company will agree a loan if they don't have sufficient collateral, or full title if on a Kai Fak basis, to cover their loan. Very simple process.

Bit of a pickle, but there may be possibilities of a refinancing deal although the ongoing legal action may make that problematic. Updating the chanote / exchange of funds is a simple process at the Land Office so, provided the Government Organisation gets paid in full, including all costs, and the legal action is confirmed as discontinued, it may be possible. My family has used this finance company for a recent refinancing: https://www.thaicreditbank.com/th We found them reasonable to deal with but they did need full financial info/pay details, which seemingly may not be an issue for your wife. Obviously the current legal action may be a show stopper but worth a try, i would say.

There is the Kai Fak loan arrangement - this is a sale with right of redemption. An explanation can be seen here: http://www.globalmortgagefinance.com/kai-faak-or-kai-faaq.html It can be considered as a risky loan to take out as these finance companies tend not to request info on ability to repay the loan in the agreed timescale as a default suits them better by gaining assets at lower than market value. If you do go down this route just be very sure you can repay the loan within the agreed period.

i have used Fry Group on pension related matters and been satisfied with their performance. They have a Singapore office but are part of a UK organisation that also offers UK tax advice to expats. Making initial contact with their Singapore office may be a way forward.

Its the wrong type of snow........

Look up PattayaWatchdog in FB.

In my experience Nationwide only accept UK numbers for OTPs. My registered address is Thailand but that makes no difference in needing a UK number for their records. I use a UK number via giffgaff and the OTPs come through with no problem. I also use a card reader which, as others have stated, also works.

Biggest ever swing in By-Election? Nope. Not even close......... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_by-election_records

Yup, same with me. I believe the OP is based in a part of Thailand that is 'forever England'

I was in Thailand for an extended period in 1990. Was between contracts in Egypt and Malaysia and only found out about the need for a tax clearance certificate from a travel agent when I was booking a flight out. This despite not working in Thailand, but being in country for periods that. in total, exceeded 180 days. Of course there was no easy access to such info way back then. As part of their service they offered to do the necessary. Paid, I seem to recall, about Bt2,000 and had the receipt stapled in my passport. Can't recall if the IO even looked at it on departure. I don't believe it was actually abolished, just placed in abeyance and could, potentially be resurrected without the need for new legislation. I recall a thread created by 'Jayboy' some time back that had details on the relevant connected tax law and confirmed that Anand was indeed the PM when the need for tax clearance was dropped around 1992.

The 'votes for life' under the Elections Act 2022 is now due to be fully implemented in 2024. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05923/

Rather mealy-mouthed comment on DM exceeding their normal transfer timings. Especially after all the 'what a joke' ramblings despite the advised timings matching with their terms. i have used DM a number of times and found their service to be very efficient. Usually transfer afternoon for next day credit. But, when I have set up transfers to UK just prior to 9am Thai time, the funds are sometimes in my UK bank same day. Not too shabby.

His wife may have a different take on his 'memory lapse'.

Signed up even though chances are remote, at best. Also signed up for the overseas vote, which appeared as an option on one of the pages. Was interested to see that, if asking for a postal vote, you are required to fill in an application form which needs to be sent to the applicable UK local council. This form is sent out by email and can also be returned by email. So, why is a similar routing process not possible for the UK state pension Life Certificates? Hmm.

OP, can I suggest you delete the attachment. Personal info.

The Fry Group has had previous mentions concerning providing advice on pension matters. They are UK based but do have an office in Singapore. May be worth a contact. As ever, caveat emptor should be to the fore.

I came across this story of the York Roman soldiers a few years back. Not totally convinced but it is rather intriguing. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1977/01/19/Ghosts-of-Roman-soldiers-haunt-ancient-city-of-York/6631571073639/ On a separate note. Thai TV5 had a ghost programme running for a time where folk would recant their personal ghost stories. Unknown to me my family home in Pattaya was the subject of one of these stories. After a TV studio session with my Thai/UK son and his girlfriend the TV crew pitched up and did a tour of the house. This caused quite some excitement in the village and gawpers were out in force. As usual, I was unaware of both the 'sightings' and the TV interest. First I knew was being advised to look at the TV5 facebook page and be prepared for a surprise!! Anyway, no obvious outcome except a vague suggestion that a picture of the wife's long departed mother was involved in some way. All has been quiet since then, but the wife keeps the spirit house well stocked and the small garden bungalow has been repurposed with Buddha related ornaments and such like.