mommysboy

I was never contracted out. No, there was no specific message that said I needed to make any more contributions. What I got was a pension forecast in big bold numbers, and by clicking I was able to access a long list of yearly records. From my own memory, I remember pension forecasts are calculated on what you will get based on current contributions applied to the latest yearly rate. Actually, it seems I have 36 'full years'. I will call HMRC Pensions to clarify the situation but it looks like everything is exactly as it should be, and there is no hurry. It makes sense to be absolutely sure, but I have 4 years before I start drawing. Depending on continued good health, I may actually defer 2 or 3 years.

They have been a boon for me and millions of others hardened smokers. I am healthier, fitter, and stronger and have been for years now. My lungs feel are clear as a bell. I dare say some of the reported bad news stories about youngsters are true. Kids will admit to vaping, but that's only half the story imo.

I don't think they were spendthrift last time, if anything the last dozen years or so have been awful. TBH, I worry more about a European war, that would be a real downer all round.

I think what I thought was a Government Gateway account was in fact a DVLA Gateway. Anyway I was able to open a proper Government Gateway account , from Thailand, without using a VPN, and getting verifications sent to a Thai mobile number- yes, I know it surprised me too! I accessed the pension forecast page and it reads 221.20, and I looked at my yearly records which total 35. So I guess that answers my query.

So, did you have the same problem as me: direct debit not drawn.

I did open a Gateway Account some time ago. I got the impression it was not possible to sign in from Thailand, but maybe that's about opening an account. I think I've got the sign in info written down somewhere.

If it were possible, I would relocate my family back to the UK. Being poor in the UK is still better than living an ok life in Thailand- there's a safety net. Medical and school fees, as well as being an acting social welfare state to the extended family, take their toll on the healthiest of finances sooner or later. Not so easy to earn a good whack in Thailand either. Thailand is a great place for a single man, retiree, etc.

I thought it was 33, but fag packet calculation takes me to 34. Maybe it is 35. Thanks for your insight.

As per title. I am living in Thailand. I have paid voluntary class 3 NI contributions for around 12 years by direct debit from my bank account. I contacted my UK bank who confirm the DD mandate is still fine. This month's payment was due to go out on 13th but was not acted upon. Anyone else had a similar problem? How can I contact them? Thanks in advance.

I think every parent of a toddler understands how this can happen- bet we've all had 'nearlies' that left us shook up. Understand your point, but maybe read the full details next time. It was a small sub soi and it really is down to a driver to go very slowly and be extra vigilant.

Low speed accidents rarely kill. Needs investigating in all honesty. Tragic.

The cynic in me reads this as : more big birds hanging around the Grace Hotel area.

Does that have any bearing on what's happening in Thailand then?

Probably little financial prospects too. So, are you going to help?

Try again in a couple of days maybe. Or go to the nearest immigration office to your registered address. (System error I guess)

I speak often with a friend in Dubai, where they are shifting into summer mode. About now, the air temperature becomes comparable with Thailand. It's already considered too hot to do much. Modern apartments have centrally controlled air con in all rooms 24 hours a day, as do most other public buildings. He's stopped his evening walk- too hot he says. Even now he doesn't spend much if anytime outside on work days and of course his car is also cooled. Yes, shopping malls, cinemas, swimming pools are the places to be. My friend comes from Southern India so he's used to hot and humid weather. Although he likes Thailand, he says that he wouldn't come this time of the year because of the heat and humidity. It's a snapshot of how city dwellers will be living in Thailand at least during the dry season imo.

Wouldn't you have been aware of a snake bite?

If you want a horse to work you have to at least feed it. Poor peoples RPI index has increased much more than others. Some times I think many businesses exist because of wage theft. If they can't/won't pay then probably we're looking at zombie businesses, which are terrible for the economy. The taxpayer ends up paying for sXXX wages.

Initially, wind power was also considered unviable, but in the UK at least it is a major source of cheap power. There is no doubt some other green energies will work. (Sadly it is already too late to prevent catastrophic changes to the eco system. I'm not predicting the imminent demise of mankind, but I do think the next 100 years are going to be very tough for the human race, perhaps the excess death rate will be of biblical proportions albeit in slow motion.)

That certainly corresponds with my experience. Just wait: there will be some deluded characters that will swear that black is white and white no colour at all.

Nothing is 100% safe. If we used that argument just about everything would carry a warning or be banned. It's really tragic and people did die that's for sure. It's equally true that tens of thousands of lives were saved in the UK alone. What was the alternative at the time? Permanent lockdown? Let nature take its course? Both would have led to millions of lives being lost. Remember the virus was far more dangerous than the present mutation.

This is something that can only be achieved on a societal level, and enacted by governments. Nobody wants it, but it has to happen. Just one person doing it is pointless self-sacrifice.

Regarding stopping fossil fuels: it's not an economic decision, but an existential one. Emissions need to be drastically cut. If we do it now, perhaps life will be livable in 50 years time, if we don't well it doesn't bear thinking about.

Obviously not for kids or other non smokers. Nicotine vapes are relatively harmless though, unless other chemicals are introduced, usually THC. Ban them because they are undesirable, because nicotine is addictive, because most people simply don't like them, but stop exaggerating health risks, which are confined to rare reactions that apply to all products , especially when misused. Great for hardened smokers - saves lives, and eases the burden on hospitals.

If there is money being made it won't get to teachers who would much rather be on well earned vacation. It's a relatively poorly paid and stressful occupation.