ThaiItAgain

This information from NancL is sound advice for anyone who has had little experience dealing with the Thai immigration department relating to reporting processes and or O visa retirement extensions. I use Star visa in Chiang Mai they are very good at acquiring the retirement visa and also with the 90 days reporting requirement. They will advise you about all the documents you require and check all the documents you give to them and then advise you of their fees. it cost me to obtain my retirement extension 6500 baht for their time and the additional necessary costs for the visas etc. I also decided to obtain an additional multi-entry visa inclusion in the passport it cost me 3000 Bah; t it allows me to leave the country and re enter as many times during the year that I wish.( Under the retirement visa you need only report each 90 days but is you wish to leave the country (so I am lead to believe), you need a re-entry visa; the 1 only entry is good if you will be leaving just once.. A 1 only re-entry visa cost 1000 baht.) I also used them for the 90 day reporting it cost me 1000 Baht. You will see that I value my time and quality of life, I don't like to spend vast quantities of my time sitting amoungst farrangs who specialize in creating an impression for the Thais that we are (as it has been described) lots of sour faced, loud mouthed fat and layabout slob style farrangs. Quite frankly, you are not doing me any favors behaving that way because as far as the Thais are concerned; we are all put into the same barrel and are just as bad as each other---- quite a sad situation really; wouldn't you say? Anyways, I am happy to pay for services that let me enjoy the life style I cam here to Thailand to enjoy

.

I'm a quality tourist. I only barfine soi 33 birds

I just love a member who has a great imagination, I mean "quality tourist" indeed, he who slums it on Soi 33.....really! 55555555

Question:

How much is the deposit?

How far behind are you in the rent?

Is the lease contract that was signed in Thai or English, if Thai, go get it translated; clearly understand your position and her position.

Do you know and understand what the obligations are of you the tenant the landlord?

Have you considered involving a solicitor in this matter, (that is provided that the legal costs don't outstrip the value of the deposit?)

Now!

The deposit in this case seems to be being treated as a bond, which is the right of the landlord to apply. A true deposit is paid generally to secure the premises from other potential/prospective tenants or to safe guard the landlord from you doing a midnight move or defaulting in your rental payments. --- In this case, you have got 2 issues, you are behind in your rent and you have a situation of damage dispute. Whose fault it is that the damage occurred is the issue? If a true bond was involved, all costs of repair or replacements would be taken from the bond once the fault of the damage has been established. ----- getting to the bottom of the blame or acceptance of responsibility for the damage usually can't be agreed until a solicitor gets involved...sorry!

​ the fact is that you have no true bond to worry about, if you have not paid any rent for some time , if the outstanding rent payment is close to the value of the bond/deposit; then the least expensive way for you is to "write it off" and turn the page,if you don’t like that idea; got down the road of the expense of the solicitor and put it down to a "battle won perhaps “”for you and a "face losing exercise" for the landlord.

regards “ its now up to you"

Thaiitagain

Please post reasons why you are fed up by Thailand and want to go back to you home country?

My reasons would be in my home country there is:

More job security

Better health care

People are sincere and honest

Relationships are not all about the money

Not many fall for criminal populist politicians

No congested streets

I read your post with interest but sorry to rain on your parade but

One other respondent asked you where do you come from. I ask the same which country are you from? Your picture shows Eastwood which of course is American; if that is where you are from, and of course we don't know from where you come; then job security in the current economic climate in America surely can not be a reason to go back.

sincere and honest people; well again if you are from America I guess that is dependent on which side of the track your from the people that do the killings, muggings and robberies every single day; surely you can't be missing the risk of being one of thse statistics.

Relationships are very much about money; when a couple break up, what is the most important thing after the kids are fought over? how much do we each get. Just ask those couples that have either are in deep trouble because one or both of them now don't have enough money the relationship generally suffers. yes or no?

All politicians to some degree have a streak of corruption in them, in the UK for example 96% of the pollies on both sides entered into fraud over many years. It was only recently that a proper audit of the tax system in regards to the Pollies exposed how they were oughting in a massive way the tax system claiming on things like mortgages on houses they didn't even have. And in the states, well politics is rife with corruptions scams. In Aussie, well once or twice a year some body blows the whistle on some corrupt pollies like that guy nu-tall who takes a bribe from business and says he didn't think they wanted anything in return - hes now on his way to prison; so criminal pollies..........

The health systems generally are OK; well in Aussie they are even though many people here are pissed off at having to wait years to get into hospital for an operation on the general health system. It's different of course if you have private health cover; which is the same in Thailand isn't it?

That leaves congestion on the roads: In Thailand, in Bangkok, that is very true but up in northern Thailand its not so true; the traffic flows well and the roads are for the most not congested.

I guess for me to want to go back home, the reasons would have to be more severe than those that you have sighted.

Please post reasons why you are fed up by Thailand and want to go back to you home country?

My reasons would be in my home country there is:

More job security

Better health care

People are sincere and honest

Relationships are not all about the money

Not many fall for criminal populist politicians

No congested streets

I read your post with interest but sorry to rain on your parade but

One other respondent asked you where do you come from. I ask the same which country are you from? Your picture shows Eastwood which of course is American; if that is where you are from then job security in the current economic climate in America surely can not be a reason to go back.

sincere and honest people; well again if you are from America I guess that is dependent on which side of the track your from the people that do the killings, muggings and robberies every single day surely can't be who you miss.

Relationships are very much about money; when a couple break up, what is the most most important thing after the kids are fought over? how much do we each get. Just ask those couples that have either are in deep trouble because one or both of them now don't have enough money the relationship generally suffers. yes or no?

All politicians to some degree have a streak of corruption in them, in the UK for example 96% of the pollies on both sides entered into fraud over many years. It was only recently that a proper audit of the tax system in regards to the Pollies exposed how they were oughting in a massive way the tax system claiming on things like mortgages on houses they didn't even have. And in the states, well politics is rife with corruptions scams. In Aussie, well once or twice a year some body blows the whistle on some corrupt pollies like that guy nu-tall who takes a bribe from business and says he didn't think they wanted anything in return - hes now on his way to prison; so criminal pollies..........

The health systems generally are OK; well in Aussie they are even though many people here are pissed off at having to wait years to get into hospital for an operation on the general health system. It's different of course if you have private health cover; which is the same in Thailand isn't it?

That leaves congestion on the roads: In Thailand, in Bangkok, that is very true but up in northern Thailand its not so true; the traffic flows well and the roads are for the most not congested.

I guess for me to want to go back home, the reasons would have to be more severe than those that you have sighted.

Hiya, I hope this doesn't get deleted. It's not about my business, but of a good friend so I'm trying to drum up some publicity for him! Him and his wife 'Piggy' have just opened up the above business today. It's a great little place. They've got an excellent menu (I'm vegan myself, but they even cater for me, and everyone has said the fish is really good.) They do cod, plaice, battered sausage, all traditional British stuff. Very reasonable prices and a full bar! Deserts too, apple pie and custard etc.

Give it a go!!

Turn left down Chiang Moi just before Mike's Burgers and it's a few shops down on the right!

x

How many dedicated shops/bars of F & C are there to your knowledge in the Chiang Mai area? where is the major concentreation of these shops ?

I started the original thread and yes im a Brit yes i was a frequent visitor to patong yes i like a drink and have fun i have read the post's and it sickens me that we brits are slagged off a piss head whoremongering trouble makers. All the so called brits that live in the LOS are i believe not brits but people jumping on the brit bashing wagon. Lets just have a quick think here where was the beer mat thief from in patong dont remember a brit or brits being chased down the beach rd. Where was the guy from just nicked at swampy with the ecstasy stashed in his undies from, where were the 2 prisoners just executed from need i go on. The tread was about safety not brit bashing, to say we ride about drunk is totally arrogance is it not the fact that most fatalities are caused by locals riding on the wrong side of the road sometimes coming straight at you or the fact the locals ride about at night without lights on or the truck drivers driving vehicles with defective brake's then running off when there is an accident, i could go on and on. These are facts not fiction, was it not the governor of phuket said we get more trouble and bad behaviour from the aussie tourists. Not many brits mentioned there was there. How many young brits in the last year have comitted ( suicide) from throwing themselves from balconies, not a single 1 of you that live there in phuket have mentioned your gun murders in the last 2 monthes, so its ok to have a shootout in a resort full of tourists. or take out 3 men sat having a beer. is Thailand dangerouse ask the guy in phi phi who was drugged and robbed last week. Incidently there with his wife not a brit lager lout.

You're right about the Aussies, I am a true Britisher, living in Australia and I too feel ashamed in regards to Aussie behavior overseas and in Australia. Much to their discredit, they have managed to learn many bad things from the rest of the world. Understanding that as far as the Aussie goes they have seem to be drawn like a magnet to the belief that what happens overseas is how they should be. They take their ques from what America, Britain and Europe is doing and that extends to behavior. They have taken notice of these countries as to "what seems to be acceptable behavior" once outside of Australia. They have become "loud mouthed"; a crown that only Americans around the world once held and; to some extent still do viz " a loud mouth Yank". And of course, they now know how to drink piss in huge quantities and hug each other at football and cricket matches, (they have not yet learned how to beat the shit out of fans from opposing football teams when attending overseas games; but give them time they will learn that too) and; of course smashing a glass in someones face if you don't like what someone says is the latest of the learning, something that was all the rage back in Britain; in places like London, Birmingham Manchester Liverpool and Glasgow; all areas where glassing in th face happens. So yes you are right Aussies have learned how to behave; sad isn't it.

I am an American Guy, I have lived in Thailand 5 years, Brittan 6 months, Spain a month and France a month, the British behavior while on holiday is outrageous. I fully understand the Spanish Government arresting them repeatedly, if not in bulk and deporting them, Drunk and fighting every night in the pubs, France too. There were bars in France where I couldn't get a drink until I showed my passport to prove I was not British. Thailand is a little further, we can hope only the somewhat more responsible Britts get that far from home, that they might not still be somewhat special, I have no doubt. Behave yourselves! English speakers around the world suffer the consequences of what U do on Holiday!

It's worth noting that the true Brit does not exist any more. The Britisher of yeaster-years is nothing like the Britisher of today. Today's Britisher is a mish-mash of many cultures and races. just because they sound like a Londoner, Brummie, Scouse, Jordie, Mancunian Yorkie or Scot; doesn't make them one. The behavior today of the so called Britisher is appalling both in Britain and outside of Britain. There is no defense for the way in which they behave. I ask you - what else can you honestly expect? What I am about to say now should not be taken in any way as being random racism, but, when you have a platform of multi races formulating the core of your country e.g. Lebanese, Indians, Africans, Muslims, Saudis Jamaicans Europeans and any other race of people that now inhabit Britain, they just don't embrace the same beliefs or thinking. A common standard of behavior is not able to be established; so don't expect a standard code of behavior from todays Britisher. When they leave their home shores and head for any other shores, be aware that "Behavior is not a word they know or even start to understand". It's not going to happen; not as long as their arse points to the ground. Just try to rise above it, compromise your own tolerance levels knowing that you have a better understanding of some of the underlying reasons as to why they behave like they do; but you don't ever excuse it.

I am an American Guy, I have lived in Thailand 5 years, Brittan 6 months, Spain a month and France a month, the British behavior while on holiday is outrageous. I fully understand the Spanish Government arresting them repeatedly, if not in bulk and deporting them, Drunk and fighting every night in the pubs, France too. There were bars in France where I couldn't get a drink until I showed my passport to prove I was not British. Thailand is a little further, we can hope only the somewhat more responsible Britt's get that far from home, that they might not still be somewhat special, I have no doubt. Behave yourselves! English speakers around the world suffer the consequences of what U do on Holiday!

It's worth noting that the true Brit does not exist any more. The Britisher of yeaster-years is nothing like the Britisher of today. Today's Britisher is a mish-mash of many cultures and races. just because they sound like a Londoner, Brummie, Scouse, Jordie, Mancunian Yorkie or Scot; doesn't make them one. The behavior today of the so called Britisher is appalling both in Britain and outside of Britain. There is no defense for the way in which they behave. I ask you - what else can you honestly expect? What I am about to say now should not be taken in any way as being random racism, but, when you have a platform of multi races formulating the core of your country e.g. Lebanese, Indians, Africans, Muslims, Saudis Jamaicans Europeans and any other race of people that now inhabit Britain, they just don't embrace the same beliefs or thinking. A common standard of behavior is not able to be established; so don't expect a standard code of behavior from todays Britisher. When they leave their home shores and head for any other shores, be aware that "Behavior is not a word they know or even start to understand". It's not going to happen; not as long as their arse points to the ground. Just try to rise above it, compromise your own tolerance levels knowing that you have a better understanding of some of the underlying reasons as to why they behave like they do; but you don't ever excuse it.

There really seems to be a lot of anti-foreign sentiment lately. More than usual, that's for sure.

Perhaps the cause for the anti-foreign sentiment might have something to do with

those foreigners that are sited as being involved with "Billions of baht theft", "scams on ATM'S"and "drug related involvement" as is often reported. Foreigners will come under the spy glas or and scrutiny of the officials as a result of that. In my opinion, these type of incidents certainly have something to do with the as you put it "anti sentiment".

Anything the Sensetionalists and the anti foreigner lobyist/mongers can get there teeth into they will.

So if we Foreigners/Farangs wish to be less visible; then perhaps some Foreigners need to pull their head in when they come to Thailand and not malke it difficult for those of us who just want to live a nice life in Thailand.

How long exactly is a "tourist visa" 30 days 60 days??? I usually get a Non O but I only ever stay 60-90 days per time so it may be worth remembering this for my next trip.

Tourist visa are good for an entry of 60 days that can be extended at immigration for 30 days.

Last time I went to the Thai embasy March 2009 here in Brisbane Australia they would not issue a double entry visa only 60 days or 30 days single entry. I was reminded by them and you also need to keep in mind that should you go outside of thailand during the 30 days or 60 days then you have 15 days only when you come back in unless you travelled by air then you get 30 days, your 60 days is gone. The 12 month O visa with 60-90 days renewal periods is exempt the 15 day rule; but of course you don't get that 12 month for free; so the unsuspecting tourist who has planned his/her itinery and is looking forward to coming to Thailand loking around and then travelling to say laos, or burma or vietnam leaving from Thailand will be in for quite a supprise should they be planning to come back in to Thailand

ThaiItAgain

I and many others, stopped using Thai airways when they ruined their frequent flyer program. I will never fly with them again unless they are the cheapest on the market.

For a long time Singapore Air was my choice when I flew from Australia to visit the Phil's, but since marrying a Thai, we fly Thai Air. The service on board is good and friendly (similar to that of Singapore Air) Using the orchid frequent flyer points one could get extra benefits and, once you reach silver frequent flyer status with Thai, then seat upgrades and some times class upgrade was possible. silver class also gave you automatic 30kg baggage allowance each person, express boarding; those types of things you generally have to pay extra for with other airlines. One thing that did irk me off was when Thai Air return flights from BK to Brisbane were redirected to Sydney then onto Brisbane instead of direct to Brisbane; that added more time to the flight and a forced evacuation into transit lounge whilst they cleaned the craft to start their return run back to BK. extra security checks and lost of stuffing around. was not very happy with that.

I leave for Thailand on the 3rd March using this time Air Asia leaving from the Gold coast coolangatta airport. Why! The flight ends in KL so we will have 4 days there. The round trip for 2 people from Australia to KL with 4 day stop over (not including accom) then from KL to Chiang Mai return on the 25th April to KL and then on the 26th April back to Coolangatta Australia includes 25kg baggage weight each person Total air costs $1600AUS$ round trip. Right now, in Australia with Thai Air. BK return to Brisbane it cost close to $1200+ each person; plus flight from BK to Chiang Mai; return Chiang Mai to BK for 2 approx Aus$400 Overall cost $2800 and no trip to KL, So It is the first time we have gone via Air Asia but as one member said Air Asia on this occasion has a very good price advantage over Thai Air. I did all the bookings on the Internet via Air Asia and booking hotels in KL via Aisiarooms.com in KL.

ThaiItAgain

Are there guidelines anywhere as to how this pension thing works with the countries that "do" have retrospective agreements with Australia?

I've got no idea about it.

The above post by ozzydom is very interesting! ......... Is there something in the wind?

Just looked at the link provided by david66 and there are 22 countries that have an agreement with Australia. New Zealand is one. Small personal real story: worked in Australia since earlie 1960's Lived and also worked in NZ for about 5-6 years after which I returned to Australia and paid a shit load of tax to the Government until I retired. When I applied to get my pension at 65 from Centrelink, a question I was asked was " Had I worked in any other country" being truthful I answered yes NZ about 5 years, Centrelink suggested (instructed) that based on that I contact them as it "might be of benefit to me" so I did make contact and they sent me a form to whit I filled it in and much to my surprise they said yes based on the info you supplied; I would get a pension from them seeing that you worked here for 5-years. and that I would receive about $30 NZ weekly OH GOODIES! thought I that will help increase my pension by a few $$. wrong!!

Centrelink was informed and they immediately adjusted their pension payments to me as a result of NZ paying me a pension. so the story is: " I was no better off by having NZ pay me a benefit" Centrelink gained the benefit in reality not me. Sad thing is, if I ever get in strife with Centrelink or should not keep in touch with Centrelink when required or if I am in any dispute dispute with Centrelink, NZ learns of it and adjust my pension from NZ in line with Australia. How do I nohow, Centrelink did stop my pension because I didn't answer a letter they said they had sent me but had not received next minute pension is stopped, letter came from NZ telling me that my benefit had been stopped until further notice. Interesting bit of info though: If I get a part time job in Australia then what I earn is deducted off my pension at 20% in the $. However, when talking to Auckland pension services, If I was living in NZ and did the same part time work IE 20 hrs at my age, then the extra I would earn is not assessed against my NZ pension. Interesting scenario situation! What I don't know is THIS If I moved to NZ (of which I have no intention) and I am getting my pension from Australia the way I am now and, if I got part time work in NZ or anywhere in the 22 countries that have an agreement with Australia, In the case of NZ who don't penalize my pension payments, would Australia still deduct the money I earned off my Aussie pension @ 20% in the dollar Australian?.

What are your thoughts or comments.

ThaiItAgain

May be Robert and Brat, Boris would come on tennis racket with a dark skinned one on his back.....

serve it babyyyyyyyyy !!!

Now, if you recollect, he'd be more likely to fly in on a broomstick - seems to like his sorties in a broom-cupboard - remember?

Yes, you're right on there, Vulcan!

Well! the next thing he will build is a minature indoor football pitch for all his football mates from around the owrld; I guess that you can say good by to all the reasonabley priced land once his mates start making similar moves to buy there

ThaiItAgain

Yes, I've been thru that several times before. It's the builders easy way to estimate/quote a price. The price can range between 5,000 baht up to 9,000 baht and even much higher. Depends on location/region of Thailand, and of course, depends on the quality you are looking for, i.e. Grade A or B or lower. Are you going to build in Ban Chang?

I've had built several homes throughout the last 20 yrs. Here's what I would recommend you do...

Get at least three bids on the basic structer of the home (price to include all concrete, iron, roofing material and the sort. Then, you say that you will provide all the: sinks, comodes, tile, granite, built-ins, windows, etc. Things that you can pick out and go for the high end or low end.

If you just get a per sq meter quote, you'll have differences in what "quality" goes in to the house.

The builders like to quote total move in cost per sq meter because then after you pick out the tile for let's say 250 a sq meter, the builder tells you, oh, I bid the project on paying only 180 baht a sq meter for the tile, you are responsible for the difference. Get my drift.

Another alternative would be to get three bids on the project for the "labor only". You pay for loads of concrete, iron as it is delivered. It's a lot of work, but you have more control over total costs.

THE MOST IMPORTANT procedure in having a house built is to have COMPLETE house/plans drawn up with every detail. The more detail the better. Like annotating plans where every electric plug goes, and I mean exact measurements. How high from the floor, how far from door entry, etc. WHY, because they just put things where it's the easiest and cheapest for them to do. Plugs in the kitchen should be at least 1.20 meters high to allow for possibly higher countertops and backsplash.

I would wire each room for a/c, just to have the breakers and wires put in in case you every want to put a/c in rooms later after house is built.

I've built serveral house in the US and several here and it is never easy. Again, I will stress that the house plans are most critical. Go over and over them until you are satisfied that all detailes are covered.

Maybe you have a plan that you've seen already and want to have built. That'll help considerably. But if you don't, and have a plot of land, you can also get some spray paint and paint the plan on the ground to get an idea of floor space, door openings, etc.

Sorry, I can go on and on, but just don't like seeing people make mistakes in these situation. If you have the floor plans and want me to review, you can mail to me and I'll make all my suggestions. I enjoy doing these kinds of things.

We live in Chaing Mai. I've been down to Ban Chang and have a couple friends down there. Neat Phala beach. I've been searching for maybe a condo or something down there for visits, but haven't found anything yet.

Hope some of this helps.

Good luck.

jimmym40'

Read your post with great interest seeing that it is my intention to build a home in the Chiang Mai province

A township called Phapi 10 mins up the line from San Sai luang. anyways It makes a lot of sense when you say that "one should advise that all internal materials such as tiles, electrical fittings, taps, screens, lights etc. will be provided by yourself Questions is however, to be able to do that I would suspect one would need to know exactly where to get all the stuff from and at the best price; and that knowledge doesn't come easy.

I have a set of plans from my friend who built his house in Brisbane I particularly like the way the master bedroom has been built and would like to use it. I also have a set of plans from a house that I built in Brisbane and I would like to explore the possibility of combining features from both plans to make one final plan. Unfortunately non of the plans have with them schedules of quantity so I have no idea as to how much materials would be required. I am lead to believe that Thais tend to get better pricing than Farangs when building; I also suspect that the overall quality of the homes might fall short of the quality of a home that would be built in Australia. (that is a stab in the dark comment)

I will be arriving in Chiang Mai toward the end of March and have the plans with me. Your comments that you like looking at plans and appear to have a wealth of knowledge of building in Chiang Mai, plus are prepared to offer a helping hand to persons who are embarking on the building home adventure; what are the chances of me making contact with you and perhaps picking up some pointers from you when i get to Chiang Mai.

I look forward to seeing your response on here.

Regards ThaiItAgain

And for those who haven't seen Steve, I run into him in Thong Sala on a regular basis, you just have to know which hardware shop to find him in

Well that is nice news to read; I especially bought his book when last i was in Thailand. having read it cover to cover, I like other members have some questions I'd like Phillip to answer; on page six of the book he guides the reader to understand that on his website www.buildingthailand.com/forums corrections and updates to the book can be found. so next time you see him; please remind him of his obligation to deliver the updates.

Having said that, I will be returning to Thailand 2010 and intend to build a house on the land I have in Chiang Mia. I want to build a house design that my friend has had built for him in Australia. It is an Australian design, low set and very spacious without being sprawling, unfortunately he no longer has the quantity of schedules for the house that he received from the builder; Q1) I was wondering if anyone knows where in Chiang Mai I can find a professional that can formulate the schedule of quantity for all the bits and pieces needed to build the house just by looking at the plans.? Q2) has anyone built a house using plans that they brought with them from their country and had it built in Thailand; if so , what has been their experience in having it built

ThaiItAgain

as i understand it from this thread,if you left australia prior to being at the pensionable age of 65 to live in thailand you do not automatically become elligible for the state pension.To receive or qualify for the pension you would be required to return to australia 2 years before age 65 and take up permanent residence again.then at age 65 apply at local centre link office.

After that i think you just let centrelink know you will be going overseas to live in thailand and they will continue to pay into your aussie account.there will be strings attached to you still receiving the pension but i think it can be done.if you look back to the early postings in this thread,an aussie guy posted that he was receving his pension while living in thailand and on eof the criteria was that he keep in touch with centrelink as to his whereabouts.

From what I am reading, majority of the farangs from Australia that move to Thailand are in the main below the retirement age and I guess that is why there appears to be no first hand info from anyone of retired age in Thailand. Failing that, those that may be in Thailand who are retired and perhaps receiving a pension don't subscribe to Thai Visa. I will be travelling to Chiang Mai in March this year and meeting up with an Australian (Michael) as yet I have not met. He has lived in Thailand for 8 years and who is married to a Thai. He was on the pension prior to deciding to live in Thailand and has mentioned that it was difficult communicating with Centerlink even whiles in Australia and it became more so when he moved to Thailand. Much of what has already been spoken about he experienced and he cleared the ways through communicating with Centerlink International in Tasmania. I am retired and I already receive a pension from Centerlink; but I am waiting until my wife who is Thai and living with me in Australia Brisbane is able to get her PR visa which will be in Feb 2010. Then WE will be off back to Thailand Australia for pensioners has become to F****ing expensive. I will be getting the full and correct info on what I will need to do to secure the continuity of the pension I receive already. I have spoken to the local Centerlink branch but they don't know anything about what has to happen when moving overseas; they refer me to Hobart. I am reticent to talk with them and make them aware of my intentions until I have spoken with Michael and learn from him first hand on how he overcame problems and of coures how I should prepare myself before I talk with them.

I will give you one first hand example of what communicating truthfully with Centerlink can be like. I married my Thai wife in Australia; I was on a pension of $530 per fortnight. I was told to inform Centerlink of the marriage to which I did. Once they knew that I was married, they dropped it back to $450 per fortnight saying that she was now able to work . I was asked by Centerlink if she was working of which I informed that she wasn't and that

Was true at that time. That information however didn't change the fact that they still dropped the pension just because she is able to work. In July 2008 she managed to get a part time job because she doesn't speak English well enough for a better job; but I failed to tell them until October 2008 that she had secured a job. She earns $800 gross per fortnight. Once Centerlink learned that she was now working they readjusted my pension by 20% of every $$$ gross that she earns. YES! My pension has been reduced by $160 per fortnight and they also ordered me to refund them $1500 that had been overpaid since July 2008. So Centerlink in my opinion is really the Gestapo department of the Australian government division responsible for looking after welfare and old age pensions. Theyare not about being fair by paying you a pension because you are owed because you have been working, paid taxes and towed the line for more than 25+ years; but how they can constantly looking at ways as to how they can NOT pay you one. I started working in Australia in 1966 and had worked full time until I retired in 2003. Since that time I have been payed a pension that has been constantly measured against information that I was made to supply and constantly adjusted downwards I might add with the exception of indexing

So you can get the idea that I am not fond of Centerlink and don't want to talk to Hobart until I know how to prepare for that time. Michael I believe is proof and can help me with that.

ThaiItAgain

"Cheers - and Merry Christmas to all on this forum!

David @ Centrelink International Services"

and thanks for taking the time to respond to us old buggers.

Read David of Centerlinks comments with interest most of which can be found on the www.Centrelink.gov.au web site.

Is there any Australians living in Thailand that are retired and receiving the retired age pension from Centrelink that can share their experiences in regards to:

how they keep receiving the Australian pension from centerlink whilst they live in Thailand on a full time basis

ThaiItAgain

A man checks into a hotel on a business trip and was a bit lonely.

He thought, "I'll call one of those girls you see advertised in phone booths when you're calling for a cab."

He popped into a phone booth near the hotel and Found an ad for a girl calling herself Erogonique, a lovely girl, bending over in the photo.

He copied the phone number and returned to his hotel.

When back in the room he figures, "what the heck, I'll give her a call."

'Hello,' the woman says..... Wow, she sounded sexy.

'Hi, I hear you give a great massage and I'd like you to come to my room and give me one.

No, wait, I should be straight with you.

I'm in town all alone and what I really want is sex."

"I want it hard, I want it hot, and I want it now.

Bring implements, toys, leather, whips, everything you've got in your bag of tricks.

We'll go hot and heavy all night; tie me up, cover me in chocolate syrup and whipped cream, anything you want!"

"Now, how does that sound?"

She says, 'That sounds fantastic, but you need to press 9 for an outside line.'

Hi,

I know there has been a lot of talk about this subject, and I have read the majority of it and it has been very useful, however;

I am looking into getting my Thai gf a tourist visa to visit me in Oz. We can provide evidence of a relationship (albeit a a bit short), I have visited her once in thailand, and will be going again in a few weeks, phone bills emails etc. She has two businesses and a perm address in thailand (IE reason to return to thailand), her own money in the bank etc so I think we have most bases covered. The problem is.. I am only on a 457 Temporary residence visa (I'm from the UK, working here and not planning to leave) and I am not sure if this allows me to sponsor her for the visa. I can show proof of full time employment, payslips etc. Does anyone know if this will cause us a problem?

Thanks in advance.

My story

I offered to sponsored my Thai wifes family members to attend our wedding held in Australia in January 2008. 1 was a niece age 37, one was the daughter of my wifes brother age 22 the other was a friend of the 37 year old and aged 40. OK. I had to fill in general tourist visa forms and show that I was prepared to do for the said people so as to lend weight to them getting the Visa; then send them back to the family members so that they were able to submit to the Australian Embassy Bangkok. The situation for them here in Thailand as follows. the 37 year old had a job and obtained enough money from her family to show that she was able to support herself in Australia for 3 months. the 22 year old is employed by her parents in the Family business and has enough money to support herself. the 40 year old had the money but no job as she had gone back home in Northern Thailand. They needed lots of evidence as to how they knew us and how long they had known us; not too much of a difficult job.

The 37 year old got the visa, the other 2 were refused it. I spoke to the DIMA in Australia telling them the story I just told you; they said as long as she can show that she has the money in the bank to cover herself here in Australia and when she gets back home and that she gets a letter from her Boss/employer that she is returning back to Thailand and has a job to go back to, then she is able to apply for the tourist visa on her own. of course, I was able to show that she/they had a accommodation available here; even so, that wasn't enough for the 2 others to get the visa.

That all Folks!

I am in the UK at the moment and get my pension payed directly into my UK Bank Account

I Understand this is not available to you,

but I see no reason why they cannot pay your pension directly into your bank in Thailand

Sending Cheques would be problematic if indeed they would send Cheques

I have tried to cash a UK Cheques at Bangkok bank, and was told No Can Do

Maybe you could contact the Pension service in the UK and ask them.

They are very helpful. Just in case you do not have access to the Phone No it is +44 191 87777

C U in Chang Mia Maybe

KennKate

Thanks for that info. I have already spoken wit the pension service at length from Australia. They tell me that they do not pay direct into Banks in Thailand; they are not geared to that. The written information supplied to me by the pension service said that they also do not use Swift Code processes so that is the reason that I inquired about the registered mail. In replying back to the UK pension service I did send to them the swift code that is applicable to my bank in Chian Mai just in case they get as change of heart. but as of yet I have not had any reply from them. It usually takes about 28 days to get any sort of reply from the Pension service here in Australia I have delayed taking my pension for about 5 years. The last communication over the phone with them; I was told the my case would not be looked at before Jan 2009 and then it would go to the inland revenue. Whats another few months delay Mia pen Ari

This really isn't a reply but rather I learning exercise; yet still on the subject to transferring money. I have been reading with interest all the replies from informed people about methods of transferring money from UK to Thailand; irrespective of the bank to where the money is to finish up. Amongst other issues, the contention I am reading is that it "cost a lot of money to transfer it over" some background info about me: I am a UK borne national however; I have been living in Australia longer than I lived in the UK. I am able to claim a UK pension of which I have put off claiming for a few years. Anyways for reason that I will not go into here, I don't want the UK pension going into Australia. I do not have a bank account in UK. I do have a bank account in Thailand with the Bangkok bank Chiang Mia branch. I have a Thai wife and after her permanent residents multiple entry visas has been granted (approx march 2010); we plan to return to Thailand and take up residence in Chiang Mai. My wife's family live in Chiang Mai, I have had registered post sent to me in Thailand via Australia post and I have had no difficulties in receiving mail. My Question is 2 fold. 1- Will the UK pension service issue a UK bank cheque made out in Pounds sterling currency payable every 12 weeks to my Bangkok bank account? 2- Would they mail the cheque registered post to my wife's family address in Chiang mai? after which my wifes farther would pay it into my pass book which they are holding on our behalf?

Do I trust them definitely?

Has any one done this before -

constructive comments please?

Planning for the future.

ThaiItAgain

This realy isn't a reply but rather I learning excersise; yet still on the subject to transfering money.

I have been reading with interest all the replies from informed people about methods of transfering money from UK to Thailand; irrispective of the bank to where the money is to finish up. Amongst other isssues, the contention I am reading is that it "cost a lot of money to transfer it over"

some background info about me: I am a UK borne national however, I have been living in Australia longder than I lived in the UK. I am able to claim a UK pension of which I have put off claiming for a few years. Anyways for reason that I will not go into here, I don't want the UK pension going into Australia. I do not have a bank account in UK. I do have a bank account in Thailand with the Bngkok bank Chiang Mia branch. I have a thai wife and after her permanent residents multiple entery visa has been granted (approx march 2010); we plan to return to Thailand and take up residence in Chiang Mai. My wifes familly live in Chiang Mai, I have had registerd post sent to me in Thailand via Australia post and I have had no difficulties in receiving mail.

My Question is 2 fold. 1- Will the UK pension service issue a UK bank cheque made out in Pouds sterling currency payable every 12 weeks into my bangkok bank account? 2- would they mail the cheque registerd post to my wifes family address in Chiang mai after which they would then pay it into my pass book that they are holding on our behalf?

Do I trust them deffinately. has any one done this before - constructive comments please.

planning for the future.

ThaiItAgain

I agree with your cvomment that the rate can be very disapointing Sending over as TT in Australian funds is a better option it takesd about 72 hrs to come into effect if your bank is NAB.

ThaiItAgain

Hi there VOICEOVER,

I am over the Age for pension and I get one from Centerlink. I went to Thailand in 2007, left in April and returned October 20th Whilst I was away, I gave a trusted friend permission to handle my afairs regarding Centerlink.

The amount of pension you will get is determined by the amount of assets and cash you have; that goes for your partner, defacto, wife. As you well know, you have to be an Australian citizen and have to have worked for at least 25 years before you can get an old age pension.

You will need to contact International division Centerlink in Hobart Tasmania and advise them of your intention to go overseas to live. I think you will get all the information you require from them.

When I left for Thailand in April 2007, the local branch in Brisbane told me that if I was out of the country for greater than 6 months then my pension would be posponed until I got back. whilst I was away, they sent out an assest and cash update document for which they needed evidence of my assests and cash pluss any super or shares that I had. This is where your authorised trusted person is able to help you, he/she can fill in all that stuff for you and have access to all your information. He /she will then forward it to them in that way you keep them happy. If your pension should be posponed while all the information is beeing gathered by your trusted person; once they get it your pension will be reavaluated and it will start again at the new value. this way the pension keeps fllowing. If you have no assests, cash, investments or anything including a home or property, then you will get $ 540 per each 2 weeks per single person. There appears to be no official documentation on the web that adequatley describes the proceedure for being overses as an Old agae pensioner It does not say that old age pensioners that are out of the country for a long time that the pension will stop full time. Hobart is the only place that you can get the full understanding of what will happen. They wish to know how long you have worked for in Australia and if you're an Australin Citizen. Once they get proof of that and are satisfied I thiink they allow it to continue but of course you need to keep all the documents going to them. they also will need your overseas address to keep in touch with you.

Hope this sheds some light on the subject for you.

ThaiItAgain