Australia joins the UK and USA with withdrawal of income verification

[Ozfatboy]

The Australian Embassy went down this track about a year ago then reversed its decision but I don't think that will happen this time. It is disappointing that the Australian Embassy has made this decision and I question their right to actually take this action.

 

The Attorney Generals Department Of Australia authorise Consulate staff to witness the signing of a Commonwealth Statutory Declarations under the Statutory Declarations Act. Their duty is not to verify the content of the declaration but to follow the procedures required as a witness to the signature.

 

As they are duly appointed by the Attorney Generals Office, I personally don't believe they have the right to refuse witnessing the document once the identity of the person has been confirmed. To the best of my knowledge (coming from a legal family) I don't know any duly authorised witness who has refused to sign. 

 

Whilst I understand that some people may provide false or misleading information it is not the job of the Embassy to be prosecutor, judge and jury. This decision effects everyone that uses this method. In addition, no thought has been given to Australian citizens who get these declarations for other purposes such as income and life insurance companies that request this information as mine does.

 

I personally believe the Australian Embassy should re-instate the issuing of these declaration and Thai Immigration should request further supporting documentation (if required) as sometimes happens at several Immigration offices.

 

Perhaps a second option for Thai Immigration would be to let a Notary Public witness these Statutory Declarations and supporting documents as they are empowered to do so by the Attorney Generals Office.

 

Either way, I think its time the Australian Embassy support Australian Citizens and our the expat community that is here in Thailand. They obviously do not understand the consequences of what their actions could cause in the future.

[OneeyedJohn]

6 minutes ago, HappyAndRich said:

How in the whole wide world can somebody even think about retirering in a foreign country without a minimum buffer like measly 800K baht?

So you think £20,000 ( pounds sterling ) roughly is measly. 

 

Your arrogance is beyond belief.

[Media1]

3 hours ago, certacito said:

 

It is called Thailand 4.0 and there never was a timeline announced.

 

"However, the government has yet to set out a clear timeline."

 

http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=1746126758&Country=Thailand&topic=Economy

In correct the dreamer announced a 12 month completion. In a address

 My GF laughed .

I not need you to tell me little man

[HappyAndRich]

3 hours ago, jimn said:

I am sorry but you miss my point. What I am saying is the rules state 65,000 bath and this is GROSS income. In fact my pension is quite above that so my NET income is over 65,000 anyway so my point is about the rules being GROSS and now the advice is saying NET income so thats a change. I dont consider the peice of paper to be worthless. I had to give evidence of my income to get it. The reason I dont want to move 65,000 into a thai account is because I live on the money when I am not in Thailand which is 5 months a year. In addition I have expenses in the UK that have to be paid on my property when I am in Thailand. So its not as clear cut as you seem to think it is. I own outright a house in the UK and via my wife a house in Thailand. So its not about not being able to afford it but is about choice of lifestyle. Apologies to those Aussies on here. I know I am speaking about the UK but the same principles apply all the same.

Still simple and easy. Out of the reason that you go back and forth during the year, I can understand that you do not want to automatically transfer money to Thailand every month. However, you must have enough to can set aside 3 x 65000 baht.

If you start transfer those 3 month before renewing your extension every year as well as you manually transfer 65K every month you are here. I will think Immigration would accept that. That way you have all your money in UK when you are there, and enough money in Thailand for getting your visa and to live here.

The 3 month you transferred for visa, you bring with you back home when you go back, and do the same procedure with the same money next time. Immigration never said you have to spend the money, only show that you have them.

Edited November 3, 2018 by HappyAndRich

[Media1]

3 minutes ago, OneeyedJohn said:

So you think £20,000 ( pounds sterling ) roughly is measly. 

 

Your arrogance is beyond belief.

Just ignore idiots there's plenty unfortunately. 

[HappyAndRich]

5 minutes ago, OneeyedJohn said:

So you think £20,000 ( pounds sterling ) roughly is measly. 

 

Your arrogance is beyond belief.

What do you think you will need if you would come into problem, be responsible for an accident or get sick? It´s irresponsible to yourself and your family to not have it?

That is not arrogance. It´s called facts. And yes! It´s a measly sum for a person that considers them self rich enough to retire in a foreign country.

Edited November 3, 2018 by HappyAndRich

[giddyup]

16 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

 

You keep replying to people, but you don't say anything. And again, I can't find the ignore feature, in mobile it is impossible to find. 

You are such a waste of time!

I said "pure speculation", not clear enough for you? 

Edited November 3, 2018 by giddyup

[OneeyedJohn]

2 minutes ago, HappyAndRich said:

What do you think you will need if you would come into problem, be responsible for an accident or get sick? It´s irresponsible to yourself and your family to not have it?

That is not arrogance. It´s called facts.

Your reply confirms exactly what I stated above.

[whitemouse]

4 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I said "pure speculation", not clear enough for you? Here's another tip, tap on your user name to find the Ignore button, a five year old could do it.

You don't add anything of substance, anything on topic. First pages on this topic are cluttered with you spam.

 

Do you know how tiring it is to scroll through on a mobile?

 

These embassy threads are 100 pages long, maybe hold back, unless you have anything to say.

 

Edit, found ignore, so keep going!

Edited November 3, 2018 by whitemouse

[JackThompson]

4 minutes ago, HappyAndRich said:

What do you think you will need if you would come into problem, be responsible for an accident or get sick? It´s irresponsible to yourself and your family to not have it?

 

There is "insurance" for that.  It's something people get who cannot "self insure" with a pile of cash.  With "insurance", one only needs "cash" to cover the deductible.

 

4 minutes ago, HappyAndRich said:

That is not arrogance. It´s called facts. And yes! It´s a measly sum for a person that considers them self rich enough to retire in a foreign country.

I hope we are not confusing "total assets" one might have, with "spare cash to put in a Thai bank, because immigration won't accept our incomes, any more."

[giddyup]

4 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

You don't add anything of substance, anything on topic.

 

These embassy threads are 100 pages long, maybe hold back, unless you have anything to say.

Your opinion is of little import to me. Not sure what's substantive about your post just criticising me, but carry on, water off a duck's back.

Edited November 3, 2018 by giddyup

[giddyup]

8 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

 

Edit, found ignore, so keep going!

There, I said a five year old could do it.

[whitemouse]

On 11/2/2018 at 10:07 AM, sfokevin said:

The problem with your logic is that enough of your neighbors have lied on these affidavits to cause Immigration to remove them as an option... Now your neighbors will figure out a scam to rotate 65k in funds in and out monthly or falsely state 800k in the bank... This will lead to Immigration to requiring even more proof or just making the 800k a year round sum required... 

No! That is not the problem!

 

Person living on 45.000 THB can live in Thailand just fine. I'm not really retired, only spend 6 months of Europe winter here, and I spend less than 40.000 THB.

 

If people with 40.000 THB income are now kicked out, it's simply cruel. And stupid, but this is Thailand, do stupid suits it perfectly! I love, and I hate this country, now that my retired friends will very likely have to leave. This is very cruel, but very Thai! 

[whitemouse]

On 11/2/2018 at 10:21 AM, elviajero said:

There is no reason for an increase at this time, and the Thai government don’t want us gone!

 

I am only surprised that these worthless embassy letters/affidavits have been accepted for so long.

 

Really?

 

You don't see Thai government want us out? 

So they are tightening the screws drastically as a practical joke?

 

They do not want us here, get this through your head! 

[Russell17au]

Today I have contacted the Australian Attorney Generals Department who is the controlling body for the Government Statutory Declarations Act and have asked about who I can go to to have a Commonwealth of Australia Statutory Declaration signature witnessed if the notarial section of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok refuses to witness my signature. When I get a reply I will post it on here which I believe will not be before Monday or even Wednesday as everyone stops in Australia for a horse race called the Melbourne Cup which is run on Tuesday 6th.

[Kelsall]

38 minutes ago, HappyAndRich said:

So 800K baht is not petty cash? That is a low cost requirement!

 

How in the whole wide world can somebody even think about retirering in a foreign country without a minimum buffer like measly 800K baht?

bragging, are we?

[shambo]

Haven't red all! I think this is related to that many people come into TH and have no insurance or funds to cover hospital bills. They don't know what to do and this is a way of doing something from the consulates to help the hospitals. Same with the request for an insurance when you want to open an bankaccount. We will see...

[soalbundy]

7 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

 

Really?

 

You don't see Thai government want us out? 

So they are tightening the screws drastically as a practical joke?

 

They do not want us here, get this through your head! 

There would be simpler ways of doing that, no more visa's longer than 90 days and only one per year.

[wharria]

11 hours ago, elviajero said:

You get a ME non 'O' based on being over 50?

 

When did you last get one?

March 2018, April 2017, June 2016 I have had Non 'O' visas every year for the past 14 years

[Joe Mcseismic]

14 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

 

Really?

 

You don't see Thai government want us out? 

So they are tightening the screws drastically as a practical joke?

 

They do not want us here, get this through your head! 

Sure they want us here............if we have enough money and bring it in to Thailand. Can't measure up to the standard they set? Then, you're right. They don't want you.

[Pattaya46]

39 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

There is "insurance" for that.  It's something people get who cannot "self insure" with a pile of cash.  With "insurance", one only needs "cash" to cover the deductible.

You cannot count 100% on insurance. Many cases, reasons and excuses to not pay.

 

I know one guy who crashed his bike in a wall and severally hurt himself. Happened he just had a happy meal with friends and he had drink a little wine. Hospital found his blood was a bit over the authorised limit. The insurance refused any payment... It's just one example among many.

[whitemouse]

5 minutes ago, Joe Mcseismic said:

Sure they want us here............if we have enough money and bring it in to Thailand. Can't measure up to the standard they set? Then, you're right. They don't want you.

What about someone who receives 55k every months? Clearly Thailand does not want him here. Is that smart policy?

 

Don't make this personal, I'm under 40, I'm just commenting on Thai stupidity and cruelty. 

[elviajero]

24 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

On 11/2/2018 at 3:21 AM, elviajero said:

There is no reason for an increase at this time, and the Thai government don’t want us gone!

 

I am only surprised that these worthless embassy letters/affidavits have been accepted for so long.

 

Really?

 

You don't see Thai government want us out? 

So they are tightening the screws drastically as a practical joke?

 

They do not want us here, get this through your head! 

What screws have been tightened?

 

It is very easy for anyone over 50, the spouse/parent of a Thai, or working to get a permit to stay year after year.

 

Your paranoia is messing with your head.

[giddyup]

3 minutes ago, whitemouse said:

What about someone who receives 55k every months? Clearly Thailand does not want him here. Is that smart policy?

 

Don't make this personal, I'm under 40, I'm just commenting on Thai stupidity and cruelty. 

If you are under 40 why does any of this concern or affect you? And if the Thais are so stupid and cruel as you keep mentioning, why would you even want to visit?

[elviajero]

21 minutes ago, wharria said:

March 2018, April 2017, June 2016 I have had Non 'O' visas every year for the past 14 years

Could you please confirm it was;

1. Multiple Entry;
2. from the London Thai Embassy;
3. you’re not receiving state pension.
4. And what supporting documents (financials) you provided.

[zydeco]

1 hour ago, balo said:

Some banks , including Bangkok Bank , will not open an account for you unless you have a work permit. We've had several threads about this the last year , the banks are refusing tourists and retired people. 

 

 

For the "locked" social security deposit account, Bangkok Bank requires a letter, yes, another letter, from the US embassy.  Just gotta love those letters. 

[Pattaya46]

9 minutes ago, giddyup said:

If you are under 40 why does any of this concern or affect you? 

This also affect a lot of people married to a Thai, really many of them !

[Thaidream]

8 minutes ago, elviajero said:

What screws have been tightened?

 

It is very easy for anyone over 50, the spouse/parent of a Thai, or working to get a permit to stay year after year.

 

Your paranoia is messing with your head.

Agreed- The Australian Embassy will still issue the Letter until 7 Jan 2019- It is good for 6 months- that will work in the favor of many people plus in many locations apply 45 days early-others 30 days early.  If you fall in the time frame- you can get another extension using the letter and then take your time finding out the best way forward for your next extension. (The American cut off is Dec 31, 2018 ; while the UK cutoff is to get the request in by December 12, 2018)

[mfd101]

56 minutes ago, Russell17au said:

Today I have contacted the Australian Attorney Generals Department who is the controlling body for the Government Statutory Declarations Act and have asked about who I can go to to have a Commonwealth of Australia Statutory Declaration signature witnessed if the notarial section of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok refuses to witness my signature. When I get a reply I will post it on here which I believe will not be before Monday or even Wednesday as everyone stops in Australia for a horse race called the Melbourne Cup which is run on Tuesday 6th.

Which rather puts us in our place as to Aussie priorities ...

 

Anyway, looking forward to the response from Canberra. The notion that you'll get anything of substance in less than 3 or 4 weeks is (I think) unrealistic. You may get a holding reply ("We have noted your letter/email and have these matters under consideration") or a get-stuffed reply ("Thank you for your correspondence on this matter. It has been drawn to the attention of the AG/Minister Assisting/relevant section") or a get-lost reply ("The relevant powers were delegated to the MFAT in 1967. How they are enforced/acted upon is a matter for the MFAT. Your correspondence has been drawn to the attention of his office").

 

But anything of substance would (I guess) involve consultation between AG's & DFAT & that could take weeks or months. They will be in no particular hurry. You wouldn't want them to get it wrong.

 

If you really want action, you need to make the matter a POLITICAL one for the Oz government (who are only a few weeks away from an election they are highly likely to lose). You should write to The Australian newspaper or contact their correspondent in Thailand - setting out THE FACTS of the matter as far as is currently known and pointing out the prospective EFFECTS on several thousand elderly & law-abiding Australians. Remember that, in the modern Western world, if you're not either a victim or a heros, you have no status and noone gives a damn. Good luck.

Edited November 3, 2018 by mfd101

[giddyup]

5 minutes ago, Pattaya46 said:

This also affect a lot of people married to a Thai, really many of them !

No mention of being either married or living permanently in Thailand by whitemouse. That is who my question was for.