UK Pensioners in Thailand Face New Scrutiny Over Pension Fraud

[Keeps]

3 minutes ago, ericbj said:

Interesting.  The possible closure of my UK account has worried me since the govt gave the banks the go-ahead to do this without justification.  But so far, all is well.

Do you maintain a UK address linked to your UK bank account if you don't mind me asking?

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, ericbj said:

[With my UK bank I have always done that over the phone, after answering "security questions"]

off topic

That was in the past, this year it's a nightmare to regain access to a UK bank account.

I had to do it last month, when my UK bank updated their app to not work on my old phone.

[scottiejohn]

2 hours ago, sambum said:

 

Extract from Labour Manifesto 2019 - Page 76:-

" We will ensure that the pensions of UK citizens living overseas rise in line with pensions in Britain."

I do not believe that it made it into the 2024 manifesto which is what they were elected on!

[Superlight]

Same old from Hmg

Politicians and civil servants foul up and blame the paying public.

How about all the gov misuse

When pensions were first introduced they commenced at age 65; at that time life expectancy was 45 to 50...

Early 1960s civil servants started raiding the pension pot.

In the past 4 years HMG and co. Tried killing off large sections of the public (covid shots) and are still suceeding.

Now they are going after the elderly and farmers.

You are regarded as useful as long as you pay all the various taxes.

HMG & CO  are not your friend.

Stay free and safe xx

 

[Liverpool Lou]

3 hours ago, sambum said:

21 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Neither Labour, nor the Tories, have ever said that they would reinstate the increases so they have never quietly dropped it.  When were the Lib Dems ever in power?

 

Extract from Labour Manifesto 2019 - Page 76:-

" We will ensure that the pensions of UK citizens living overseas rise in line with pensions in Britain."

Thank you, I stand corrected, although they probably said that knowing that they did not have a cat in hell's chance of getting in and therefore it meant nothing.   Don't see any mention of it now that they are in power and are in a position to implement it!

Edited 6 hours ago by Liverpool Lou

[The Cyclist]

1 hour ago, NoshowJones said:

Yes Trans thats what the DWP say, but they can say anything they want. The state pension is not a benefit,

 

Nothing to do with the DWP. The State Pension became a ' Benefit ' when the Pensions Act was amended in 2014 or 2015.

[Liverpool Lou]

4 hours ago, sandyf said:

23 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Those would be the people who chose to live in a country in which UK state pension increases are not payable, a downside that is well-known and addressed openly on government websites and it has been that way for more than 70 years.   Perhaps those people should have gone to a different country where their increases would be available.

Expand  

You are wrong, it has not been that way for more than 70 years.

I don't believe that I am but, you go ahead, tell me when the policy of allowing increases to UK pensions in frozen countries such as Thailand was in force in the last 70+ years. 

[Expat68]

2 hours ago, Kinok Farang said:

Tell that to your friend,if you've got one.

I would, that's why I have friends for over 30 years, we each tell each other straight 

[Keeps]

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Thank you, I stand corrected, although they probably said that knowing that they did not have a cat in hell's chance of getting in and therefore it meant nothing.   Don't see any mention of it now that they are in power and are in a position to implement it!

I really can't see Rachel Reeves loosening the purse strings to justifiably and rightly correct this anomaly (in my opinion) taking into account all the cost slashing she is undertaking in other areas.

 

I think expats abroad who are currently treated unfairly (again - my opinion) will be at the very bottom of her agenda, particularly when it would entail an outflow of money, not an inflow.

 

I appreciate that it involves reciprocal arrangements with other countries but if you have paid your dues I really can't see why you shouldn't be remunerated fairly, regardless of where you reside. You would still be taxed based on various thresholds and dependent on your alternative income.

 

Surely, expats are a lesser financial burden to the UK state or am I missing something?

 

Labour will be a one term party but I can't see any changes on the horizon regardless of which party is in charge next. I really hope I am wrong even though this doesn't affect me currently at my age. 

[Gottfrid]

On 11/15/2024 at 11:47 AM, transam said:

Our hi-so member is back, and may I ask him, does your country pay you your state pension if you live in Thailand..........?

Perhaps give details here on your country's payment system for you living in Thailand, I am sure we would all like to know......

Sure they do, but it´s such a small amount anyway, so I don´t really care. I think it´s something getting affected or smaller when living abroad, but as I say. I don´t give a 5h1t. I have already build my life, so it makes me totally independent of any government money.

[Gottfrid]

On 11/15/2024 at 12:53 PM, jesimps said:

I bet you were the teachers pet at school. I'm all in favour of sticking to the rules, but only if they're non-discriminatory. I refuse to condemn anyone trying to dodge this particular one. By the way, before you go banging on, I informed the HMRC that I resided in Thailand in 2009, the year I qualified for state pension and it has been frozen since then.

You are a solid and honest citizen of the world. I can agree with you that the rules are discriminatory, but they are still there. Sure, I could also dodge things I dislike, but I know better. Sooner or later, such activity will come back and bite you in your arse. Like what it happening right now. Think the ones who have been dodging fear that they have to pay back now. Is that how you should plan a nice life after retirement? I am just waiting for the general population on the planet to get a little bit smarter, think a little bit more before do. That´s all I ask for.

[Gottfrid]

23 hours ago, sidneybear said:

The government hates you. Why do you love it back?

What are you talking about. Love or hate the government???? I don´t need the government. I am totally independent of any government. 

[Gottfrid]

22 hours ago, Tiger1980 said:

 
Meanwhile tens of thousands of ILLEGAL economic migrants are able to access benefits to the tune of £41,000 per ILLEGAL each year courtesy of the British taxpayers many of whom are affected by this policy of discriminating against pensioners who reside in certain countries.

Like I have said many times now. I agree with that it´s wrong, discriminatory and unfair. However, knowing how it is, and moving to a country that are affected by such discrimination and also hide information is just plain stupid! Such things always comes back and bite hard.

[scottiejohn]

5 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

I am totally independent of any government. 

Utter BS!

[Gottfrid]

6 hours ago, Kinok Farang said:

Out of all the bullshiit comments on AN,this type annoy me most.

 "If you can't afford it,Thailand is not for you"

Who the fuuck are you to judge who can or can't retire in Thailand?

I'm alright Jack,pathetic.

Ok, if you think it´s BS and you get very annoyed, then you must be severely affected, right?

Also, are you trying to argue with facts and common sense? If I post, "if you can´t afford to live in Thailand, then Thailand is not for you". What the heck is wrong with that? Anybody that fights such facts, must enjoy self inflicted pain.

I am not judging at all. I just stated the pure facts, that you never can argue with, but try to anyway.

Yes, I am alright, as I have planned my life. There is nothing that can touch that foundation. I don´t even need my pension when it´s coming. So, yes! Some of us are solid, which means we have made decisions in life based on good judgement and proper analysis.

That can not be said about 100% stupid decisions to hide information from the government. It was just a matter of time before they would develop systems and start to push the buttons to find it out. It always happens. Instead of giving the right and true information, all those Brits here in Thailand, might instead be slammed with big bills to pay back to the government, which they will cut out of your pensions. People who planned bad and already living on the margins, will then get into big financial problems.

Do you think that is pathetic too?

[Gottfrid]

12 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Utter BS!

😂 What do you base that silly comment on?

[sambum]

21 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

 

If you actually did your homework you find that it has nothing to do with "geography" and all to do with reciprocation!

Correct - you should have put reciprocation in brackets too - oh sorry, just been on the "Grammar Police" website!

[Keeps]

7 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Ok, if you think it´s BS and you get very annoyed, then you must be severely affected, right?

Also, are you trying to argue with facts and common sense? If I post, "if you can´t afford to live in Thailand, then Thailand is not for you". What the heck is wrong with that? Anybody that fights such facts, must enjoy self inflicted pain.

I am not judging at all. I just stated the pure facts, that you never can argue with, but try to anyway.

Yes, I am alright, as I have planned my life. There is nothing that can touch that foundation. I don´t even need my pension when it´s coming. So, yes! Some of us are solid, which means we have made decisions in life based on good judgement and proper analysis.

That can not be said about 100% stupid decisions to hide information from the government. It was just a matter of time before they would develop systems and start to push the buttons to find it out. It always happens. Instead of giving the right and true information, all those Brits here in Thailand, might instead be slammed with big bills to pay back to the government, which they will cut out of your pensions. People who planned bad and already living on the margins, will then get into big financial problems.

Do you think that is pathetic too?

It's not often I agree with you but I do in this instance. Thailand (amongst other countries) is not the place to 'wing it' and hope for the best, fingers crossed. If you want to have a long, happy retirement in place then you need the financials in place as well. Changes in political/financial stance can bite you on the ar$e very quickly.

 

That aside, each to their own. If they feel they will have a better life over here then I totally applaud that. However, they have to be accepting of technological advancements and accept that the past may not be the future.  

[Bobthegimp]

You skiving, thieving bunch of retired bastards.

 

There are migrants to feed and house in the UK, and all of you must pay your "fair share" to support the swart hordes being brought in to replace the native populace. 

 

Do you think that housing, electric, gas, water, and gift cards grow on trees?  Nevermind the taxes you pay for services back home that you don't use.  How much more tax can we put you down for, you racist, misogynist animals?  Sorry, I've watched a little too much BBC lately and the kool-aid is taking effect. 

[sambum]

1 hour ago, Keeps said:

I really can't see Rachel Reeves loosening the purse strings to justifiably and rightly correct this anomaly (in my opinion) taking into account all the cost slashing she is undertaking in other areas.

 

I think expats abroad who are currently treated unfairly (again - my opinion) will be at the very bottom of her agenda, particularly when it would entail an outflow of money, not an inflow.

 

I appreciate that it involves reciprocal arrangements with other countries but if you have paid your dues I really can't see why you shouldn't be remunerated fairly, regardless of where you reside. You would still be taxed based on various thresholds and dependent on your alternative income.

 

Surely, expats are a lesser financial burden to the UK state or am I missing something?

 

Labour will be a one term party but I can't see any changes on the horizon regardless of which party is in charge next. I really hope I am wrong even though this doesn't affect me currently at my age. 

 

Sensible post, and factually correct.

[sambum]

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Thank you, I stand corrected, although they probably said that knowing that they did not have a cat in hell's chance of getting in and therefore it meant nothing.   Don't see any mention of it now that they are in power and are in a position to implement it!

 

Swept under the carpet again! And in my opinion, swept under by the worst Labour Government ever, and that includes Tony Blair's "New Labour" - at least he brought in the Old Age Winter Fuel Allowance!

Edited 3 hours ago by sambum

[scottiejohn]

23 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

😂 What do you base that silly comment on?

On your silly comment that "I am totally independent of any government"!

I assume that the real life country, not cloud coocoo land, that you  live in has a government and as such you cannot be totally independent of that government, no matter how hard you try!

Edited 3 hours ago by scottiejohn

[Bobthegimp]

8 minutes ago, sambum said:

 

Swept under the carpet again! And in my opinion, swept under by the worst Labour Government ever, and that includes Tony Blair's "New Labour" - at least he brought in the Old Age Winter Fuel Allowance!

 

Those buttery soft, yet firmly gripping hands on your hips are those of Herr Starmer. Pensioners are about to discover how well endowed and turgid the revenue service becomes at the prospect of deflowering geezers living abroad.  Don't pick up the soap in the shower. 

[bradiston]

On 11/15/2024 at 12:52 PM, transam said:

UK state pension is not paid directly to a Thai bank. It may have changed now,  but I recall it is paid to Citibank, Ireland, they send it to Citibank Bangkok, they send it to your local Thai bank...😋

Or get it paid into your Wise sterling account. DWP have no problem doing that.

[Gottfrid]

9 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

On your silly comment that "I am totally independent of any government"!

I assume that the real life country, not cloud coocoo land, that you  live in has a government and as such you cannot be totally independent of that government, no matter how hard you try!

My post was in relation to the topic, which mean economically regarding pensions. I do not need my pension, and I will never do.

The only dependence I have regarding my government, is that they just issue a new passport when the old one is done.

[Kinok Farang]

36 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Ok, if you think it´s BS and you get very annoyed, then you must be severely affected, right?

Also, are you trying to argue with facts and common sense? If I post, "if you can´t afford to live in Thailand, then Thailand is not for you". What the heck is wrong with that? Anybody that fights such facts, must enjoy self inflicted pain.

I am not judging at all. I just stated the pure facts, that you never can argue with, but try to anyway.

Yes, I am alright, as I have planned my life. There is nothing that can touch that foundation. I don´t even need my pension when it´s coming. So, yes! Some of us are solid, which means we have made decisions in life based on good judgement and proper analysis.

That can not be said about 100% stupid decisions to hide information from the government. It was just a matter of time before they would develop systems and start to push the buttons to find it out. It always happens. Instead of giving the right and true information, all those Brits here in Thailand, might instead be slammed with big bills to pay back to the government, which they will cut out of your pensions. People who planned bad and already living on the margins, will then get into big financial problems.

Do you think that is pathetic too?

There are lots of reasons some guys end up skint at pension age.Usually women but bad investments,alcoholism,serious illness etc but that should never stop the same guys wanting happiness in their later life and a life watching your pennies in Thailand is much more preferable than living in the UK at present.

[Keeps]

12 minutes ago, sambum said:

 

Swept under the carpet again! And in my opinion, swept under by the worst Labour Government ever, and that includes Tony Blair's "New Labour" - at least he brought in the Old Age Winter Fuel Allowance!

Wasn't it under Blair's stewardship that Gordon Brown, in his infinite wisdom, sold off in the region of 400 tonnes of gold for pennies in 1999. He stated that the money could be 'used better elsewhere'. And that was the Chancellor of the fecking exchequer!

 

That in today's terms is a pot of around of around £20bn. That could have paid for a lot of nurses, NHS costs, new schools (dare I say it - pensioners) etc ( or kept illegals in their lap of luxury for a fortnight or so). 

[kwilco]

5 hours ago, CharlieKo said:

You must be pretty ignorant not to see there is a connection between the way illegal scum are treated when British citizens are treated worse. It may be facile ,but I'm not going to elaborate on the subject when it's so easy to make a connection. Whence your ignorance in not seeing it.

The problem with being ignorant is that you are unable to tell how ignorant you are.

[transam]

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

Sure they do, but it´s such a small amount anyway, so I don´t really care. I think it´s something getting affected or smaller when living abroad, but as I say. I don´t give a 5h1t. I have already build my life, so it makes me totally independent of any government money.

We all know, you keep telling us how wonderful you are and living in a 'luxury' villa....

 

Your problem is, you think everybody else should have done what you did, you cannot think outside your own weeeee bubble..........🤔

 

Pretty sad really..............

[transam]

43 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Or get it paid into your Wise sterling account. DWP have no problem doing that.

I have no problems using DWP's payments into my Thai bank, even getting preferential exchange rate, which is something DWP states.......

Every 4 weeks on a Thursday.......😉