Upcoming interview with British Ambassador to Thailand

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Thaivisa will shortly be meeting with Brian Davidson, British Ambassador to Thailand.

 

If you have any questions you would like us to ask on your behalf please post below.

 

Thanks!

[CharlieH]

Why we were sold out down the river and totally abandoned over the withdrawal of the "income letter" and the lives it effected without any apparent care or concern to those British citizens effected by that decision.

[NanLaew]

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

Why we were sold out down the river and totally abandoned over the withdrawal of the "income letter" and the lives it effected without any apparent care or concern to those British citizens effected by that decision.

That's been done to death already. It aint gonna get the desired "We were wrong and apologize and will be reinstating it forthwith" answer no matter how many times you and everyone else asks it.

 

I see that unfreezing the Thai-domiciled UK pensioners inflation/cost of living adjustments is on the back burner again?

 

That and seeking more favorable treatment of bona fide Thai partners and dependents of UK citizens to get a visa and onto the UK residence roundabout instead of being lumped in with all and sundry with the assumption they are all going to freeload on the system.

 

How about a more proactive appeals system for applications that have been poorly processed?

[nabbie]

Do all the British expats still have to visit British Embassy, Bangkok for passport renewal? If child passport renewal, does he/she have to be present there too? Why can't passport renewal be done through EMS or online in order to save their travelling expense and to keep the climate safe? 

[jimn]

@Jonathan Fairfield Some clarity on the insurance for OA visas. Have the British Embassy lobbied Thailand to ask why the process to have insurance from your own country is so complicated and have to get directors of the company to sign a silly form.

[robertson468]

Why is the Thai Government being so inefficient in curbing the damage to the environment due to burning (particularly in the North) and why are the Embassies not getting together to point out to the Thai Government that they are one of the worst offenders in the World and through their inability to control the Farmers (and big Corporate entities) the climate is being severely damaged and we are now on the turning point  of irreversible damage.  Countries all over the modern World are pointing out the severe damage being caused not only to the environment, their Country (Bangkok is sinking) but also to their innocent citizens who are being asphysiated by the critically high levels of polution.

[Expattaff1308]

Re OA Visas & Insurance - I do appreciate the initial concern because they could stay in the kingdom for 2 years without showing funds BUT....

 

1. Why are OA visa holders pre Oct 2019 subject to the Compulsory Health Ins. and only allowed to use the Cartel of companies who half do not insure over 65 and the others have extremely high premiums. (My OA run out in 2009 - extensions since)

 

2. Why hasnt it been grandfathered for those now on extensions and showing cash in the country or at least  we are able to use an insurance company of our choice..

( I can get the same cover for half the cost)

 

3. Why do we have to keep 400k in our accounts and not allowed to spend it during the year.

 

4. Why is there no provision (as suggested when this insurance was first raised) that those who cannot get insurance because of age, pre existing conditions, cost etc have a cash equivalent of 450k to have the same cover as those under  the required insurance cover.

 

5. What is the Embassy doing to lobby the Thai authorities in an attempt to us getting some fair play on these issues for those who have made their homes here and spend their pensions here by supporting wives family etc as well as the Thai economy.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2019 by Expattaff1308

[CharlieH]

Off topic posts removed.

 

The topic requested "questions", not to debate the questions posed by others.

Thank you.

[Peter Denis]

3 hours ago, jimn said:

@Jonathan Fairfield Some clarity on the insurance for OA visas. Have the British Embassy lobbied Thailand to ask why the process to have insurance from your own country is so complicated and have to get directors of the company to sign a silly form.

For sure the health-insurance requirement on OA - retirement Visa extension is the main issue to take up with the Ambassador.

And it is not only about the set-up of the Certificate that you need to get signed by your foreigner insurer to have your UK insurance thai-approved (good luck with that).

But the bigger issue is of course that when you are over 75 years of age, that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a thai-approved insurance as the thai insurers (which are the only ones allowed to provide the insurance once you are in Thailand) do not cater for that age-group.  And so the OA Visa of these +75 years cannot be extended anymore by IO. 

A minor (sic) issue is the coverage and cost of these thai-approved insurance policies, capped to 400.000 THB in-patient / 40.000 THB out-patient.  Which is not only ridiculously low in case of a serious health-problem, but also the annual premium for that mandatory health-insurance is crazy.  For an 83 year old the annual premium for the insurance is HIGHER than the coverage the policy provides!

The fall-out of the above will soon be felt by all Embassies when their elderly retirees will be confronted with this in course of coming months, when they go for their annual extension of stay.

Edited November 30, 2019 by Peter Denis

[Saltire]

Hopefully a few easy questions.

 

When exactly will the British Embassy be moving from it's current location on Wireless Road, and what is the new location?

 

And will the provision of services remain unchanged?

 

Thanks

 

 

[philba]

17 minutes ago, Saltire said:

Hopefully a few easy questions.

 

When exactly will the British Embassy be moving from it's current location on Wireless Road, and what is the new location?

 

And will the provision of services remain unchanged?

 

Thanks

 

 

The Embassy is moving to the AIA building in Sathorn.

 

[AlexRich]

Almost every time I read a story about a Brit who finds himself in trouble in Thailand the feedback is that the British Embassy will do nothing for them? 

 

What assistance do they provide, what is the limit?

[DJ54]

On behave of my British friend. Health insurance acceptability can only come from Thai insurance company. 

 

He as many have Insurance that far exceeds the requirements for visa renewal although not accepted because it’s from an Insurance 

company not in Thailand.

 

in this particular case the Thai Insurance cost 75,000 a year. All 

together health check, fees etc. In excess of 100,000. 

 

Your discussing with Embassy will be appreciated. Hopefully you’ll 

Visit the US Embassy soon and discuss the same, 

 

Best Regards and Thank You

 

[chilly07]

Why don't you restore Income letters in the same way 80 other embassies provide.  Your embassy used to provide  on the basis of pension statements released  to you by applicants thus negating any data protection requirements.

 

What are you doing about  TI OA insurance requirements which are extraordinarily  expensive and not available for over 75s or preexisting  conditions.

 

What are you doing about the grossly unfair freezing of UK state pensions in Thailand Australia and Canada when many other  random Countries are not frozen. 

[chilly07]

Why don't you restore Income letters in the same way 80 other embassies provide.  Your embassy used to provide  on the basis of pension statements released  to you by applicants thus negating any data protection requirements.

 

What are you doing about  TI OA insurance requirements which are extraordinarily  expensive and not available for over 75s or preexisting  conditions.

 

What are you doing about the grossly unfair freezing of UK state pensions in Thailand Australia and Canada when many other  random Countries are not frozen. 

[robertson468]

Why must Retirement Visa people have to leave money in the Bank.  Providing the money is in the Bank at the time of applying for the Visa, that should be sufficient.  Many feel that the only reason the money must stay put is to help the liquidity of the Thai Banks.

[Daveyh]

Why is there a need for a British Ambassador to Thailand at all?? They certainly don't seem to care about the expat community here & I'm sure any gathering chaired by them would give the Ambassador a really hard time if he had the balls to do so! Many British expats, if not all of them are frustrated to the point that they all think having an embassy here is a waste as it's ineffective period. Our government circles have become so inept the whole world is laughing at us. No one looks to us for guidance now ...... Even our embassy in Bangkok has been sold which shows that the UK do not care about it's citizens .......... or serious about having an embassy here. It is a pure waste of taxpayer's money even for the Ambassador to come here, selling "Wireless Road" without thinking about the services that were provided to the expatriate community here was huge mistake. The whole policy thing regarding having a British Ambassador here is now nonsense & he has no clout whatsoever, nor welcome.  ....... fact.

[GrahamMaddison]

UK State Pension - Why when leaving the UK, is it frozen at the then current rate and not eligible for any annual increases. It seems absurd to me that given I am no longer a drain on UK resources that I and many others should be penalized in this way. With the current exchange rates etc and the strong Baht , it is becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

 

There was a petition raised about this subject and presented to Downing street a while back. but I have never had any feedback on the result.

 

In addition, why is my pension delayed when the US have a holiday in the week prior to it being due. It's frustrating and absurd that we should be reliant on the US.

[emptypockets]

36 minutes ago, chilly07 said:

Why don't you restore Income letters in the same way 80 other embassies provide.  Your embassy used to provide  on the basis of pension statements released  to you by applicants thus negating any data protection requirements.

 

What are you doing about  TI OA insurance requirements which are extraordinarily  expensive and not available for over 75s or preexisting  conditions.

 

What are you doing about the grossly unfair freezing of UK state pensions in Thailand Australia and Canada when many other  random Countries are not frozen. 

The hard truth is that the Ambassador represents his country's government in another country. The primary focus is intergovernmental relationships. 

Expect the usual response from the Ambassador.....talk a lot and say nothing. Just saying from my experience with the Oz Embassy.

Edited November 30, 2019 by emptypockets

[wicketkeeper]

Thailand seems increasingly determined to make tourists and foreign residents unwelcome.

Tourists pick up on this instantly and share the vibe via social media and word of mouth.

Tourist arrivals figures prove the point, even though TAT are in denial.

 

Foreign residents experience it daily amid the tyranny of TM30, 90 day reports, mandatory health insurance (impossible over a certain age), arbitrary alcohol laws, premium charges in parks and elsewhere, anarchy on the roads, seasonal burning, pollution and an erosion of democracy.

 

A word in their ear before the collapse of tourism and a general exodus?

 

 

 

 

[Tony M]

Many are concerned by the potential problems that will be caused by the OA insurance requirement. Some of us are concerned that the requirement will be extended to all long stay extension applications, including those of us married to Thai citizens. Some older "residents" will not be able to afford, or even obtain, the policies currently being offered by the Thai insurance companies. Some of those same people, for instance pensioners living in Thailand on UK state pensions, will also not be able meet the requirements of the UK immigration rules in order to be able to take spouse/partner to the UK for settlement if they have to leave Thailand due to being unable to take out the mandatory insurance. This will possibly/probably mean that the UK spouse/partner will have to leave Thailand, and return to the UK, without being able to take any dependant(s) with him. Where does the Ambassador stand on the matter of families being "forcibly" separated by the current, and possibly future, insurance policy requirements ? And where does the British Embassy stand on the human rights aspects of families being "forcibly" separated by an insurance requirement ? Will the British Embassy seek alternatives from the Thai government, for instance allowing long term spouses/partners to contribute towards the Thai social security system, allowing them to access Thai hospital care ?  As the Ambassador will be aware, Thai nationals joining a spouse/partner in the UK for settlement are required to contribute to the NHS (the Immigration Health Surcharge) while they are on extensions of stay. The current charge is 400 GBP a year for complete access to the NHS. When the Thai dependant is granted permanent residence (normally after 5 years) the Health Surcharge ends, and they have the same access to the NHS that their British partner has. Will the Ambassador ask the Thai government to consider a similar reciprocal arrangement between the UK and Thailand for British citizens on retirement extensions and those married to Thai nationals ?  Will the Ambassador bring up the matter of human rights (that is families being able to live together) with the Thai government ?

 

I have just obtained an online quotation for an insurance policy at the required level (from a Thai insurance company). The "affordable" premium is 5,350 GBP a year. A Thai national, on extensions of stay in the UK for 5 years, would pay 400 GBP a year. Will the Ambassador ask for reciprocity - British citizens living in Thailand to pay 2,000 GBP over 5 years (the equivalent of 400 GBP a year), or for Thai citizens living in UK to pay 25,000+ GBP over 5 years ? 

Edited November 30, 2019 by Tony M

[DannyCarlton]

On 11/29/2019 at 8:59 AM, CharlieH said:

Why we were sold out down the river and totally abandoned over the withdrawal of the "income letter" and the lives it effected without any apparent care or concern to those British citizens effected by that decision.

And when he makes his pathetic excuses, ask him why most embassies seem to have no difficulty in continuing to produce the letters.

[sirwilly]

O/A Visa from the UK 2004 lived here 15 years in January 2020 on retirement extensions  made my life in Thailand  bought house etc and im now over 80 and cannot get insurance from any company, I have well the means to pay for any medical treatments that may be required during the remainder of my life. So am I to be deported when my present extension falls due? What will the British Government do for elderly expats similar to me i want to know . Because this is grossly unfair.  Regard William . 

 

[Mas4568]

Why does the British Embassy say they don't need to provide assistance to UK nationals who have been kidnapped in Thailand by Thai police. You know the case.

[phil2407]

1 - why did you sell embasdy? For money or another reason 

2 - you don't help Brish expats with anything - what do you get paid to actually do - you lost my passport renewal for 88 days cost me 20000 - but not your fault and cost rested  with me - 

personally I think you're here as a face and do SFA except collect your salary 

I'm proud to be British but you imbeciles in charge are parasites - do nothing to help 

 

 

 

[WhatupThailand]

Hopefully you’ll 

Visit the US Embassy soon and discuss the same.

[DaRoadrunner]

8 hours ago, chilly07 said:

What are you doing about the grossly unfair freezing of UK state pensions in Thailand Australia and Canada when many other random Countries are not frozen. 

The above is a real sore point and needs changing. Surely we ought to be at least entitled to the same pension as everyone else. I can move to the Philippines and receive the full UK pension with annual increases, so why not Thailand?

 

Plus, I request the British Embassy petition the Thai Govt to abolish the ridiculous TM30 and the 90 day reports as these are an insult to foreigners who are made to feel like convicts reporting to their Thai Parole Officer at Immigration.

 

Another point, why are we allowed to buy property but not the land it is on? How about some path to residency and land ownership for long stay retirees and those married to a Thai?

 

Then there is the mandatory health insurance which forces us to buy inferior policies from Thai Govt nominated insurers. Some of us cannot qualify and would be forced to leave the country.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2019 by DaRoadrunner

[chickenslegs]

5 hours ago, Mas4568 said:

Why does the British Embassy say they don't need to provide assistance to UK nationals who have been kidnapped in Thailand by Thai police. You know the case.

I'm interested to know more about this. Link please.

[chickenslegs]

I would like the ambassador to explain why my country continues to do business with a government who stole power from its people at the point of a gun, then cheated their way into an election 'victory' by appointing their own supporters into the senate to ensure that the "democratic soldier' would be elected as PM.

 

Does the UK support true democracy or not?

 

Of course, this question (IMHO) could be asked of ALL western democracies which continue to trade with Thailand - That's all of them.

[Destiny1990]

Why over the last 5 years has it only been made more complicated for farangs to stay here long term?

Are they aware expats are relocating to Vietnam, Phillipines because of this?