British Information

[pschef]

I remember a few years ago, I was on a flight going to work in Middle East.

I met this guy who wondered why I was still working at my age, now 62.

I replied because my Pension is not payable for another few years, ha he replied. I’ve been on Pensions credit since I passed 60; I live in Thailand Pattaya I think he said. I go back to UK only for a few moths a year.

I have recently; well 6 months ago lost my job. I have no income to speak of, and using my savings to live on. Just wonder if I could do the same as him, what my options are. I would be grateful for any ideas; I don’t think I will find another job now at my age. Thanks Guys BTW still Have Family I could stay with In UK

[somtampet]

He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

[davidthai]

He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

I know of a man from UK who claimed for this benefit and lived in Thailand, he was caught when he went back to UK and had tp repay all he had received , now everytime he arrives at Heathrow Immigration they log the date and time he arrived in UK , be very carefull

[Chivas]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

[chiang mai]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Is the correct answer. http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/home.asp

[chiang mai]

He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

I know of a man from UK who claimed for this benefit and lived in Thailand, he was caught when he went back to UK and had tp repay all he had received , now everytime he arrives at Heathrow Immigration they log the date and time he arrived in UK , be very carefull

The date and time of arrival is recorded for every UK citizen and has been so since 2002, why else do you think they swipe your passport!

[somtampet]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Chivas,get your facts correct.

Any non EU country is 1 month max per tax year,if you are receiving free assistance off the state.I know of 4 people who got caught and had 20,000 gbp fine.

[Chivas]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Is the correct answer. http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/home.asp

You're missing the point I made (probably deliberately)

I will rephrase to make it clear-if you meet all the criteria in the uk to receive pension credits then the onus is on yourself to best manage your money ??

If you are then clever and wise enough to manage that money on a low budget in Spain,America,Thailand etc than very good luck to you.

That's my opinion not the legislation.

[somtampet]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Is the correct answer. http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/home.asp

You're missing the point I made (probably deliberately)

I will rephrase to make it clear-if you meet all the criteria in the uk to receive pension credits then the onus is on yourself to best manage your money ??

If you are then clever and wise enough to manage that money on a low budget in Spain,America,Thailand etc than very good luck to you.

That's my opinion not the legislation.

FACT

1months stay max for non EU countries.Do you honestly think the government will give money away to somebody who spends 6 months in Thaland.Smuggling ciggies into the Uk is normaly the way to pay for that type of holiday or send viagra back,seen em all.

[Chivas]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Chivas,get your facts correct.

Any non EU country is 1 month max per tax year,if you are receiving free assistance off the state.I know of 4 people who got caught and had 20,000 gbp fine.

Whats the matter with you guys !!!

I'm not doubting or disagreeing with the legislation in place but simply making the point that if you're entitled to it than you should be able to do what you want with it ??

[somtampet]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Chivas,get your facts correct.

Any non EU country is 1 month max per tax year,if you are receiving free assistance off the state.I know of 4 people who got caught and had 20,000 gbp fine.

Whats the matter with you guys !!!

I'm not doubting or disagreeing with the legislation in place but simply making the point that if you're entitled to it than you should be able to do what you want with it ??

well you cant,but i do know people who piss it up the wall and smoke dope with the credits,so is that right or wrong.

[smokie36]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Chivas,get your facts correct.

Any non EU country is 1 month max per tax year,if you are receiving free assistance off the state.I know of 4 people who got caught and had 20,000 gbp fine.

Whats the matter with you guys !!!

I'm not doubting or disagreeing with the legislation in place but simply making the point that if you're entitled to it than you should be able to do what you want with it ??

well you cant,but i do know people who piss it up the wall and smoke dope with the credits,so is that right or wrong.

If they spent it on meditation classes and green tea would it make any difference?

[Chivas]

This could be a long debate !!!

You've just made the exact same point I'm trying to get across !

It's not right or wrong-it should be our choice to use/spend the money as we wish ?

Edited June 4, 2010 by Chivas

[somtampet]

Last post my me,if you can get fined/jailed for this offence it is defo illegal to stay in Thailand for more than 1 month,as they will know you have money stashed away or doing cash in hand work.

[MAJIC]

Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)

Chivas,get your facts correct.

Any non EU country is 1 month max per tax year,if you are receiving free assistance off the state.I know of 4 people who got caught and had 20,000 gbp fine.

Whats the matter with you guys !!!

I'm not doubting or disagreeing with the legislation in place but simply making the point that if you're entitled to it than you should be able to do what you want with it ??

Sorry to contradict but under the Pension Credit rules,you are allowed a total of 13 weeks out of the UK.

You need to notify them of departure and when you return to the UK.

Pension Credits rules are different to the full Pension at age 65.whereby you can go anywhere in the World for as long

as you wish,without jeopardising your Pension.

To answer your question:yes you are entitled to it,providing you stick to the rules,staying longer abroad than the

allowed 13 weeks is fraud. And will result in your Pension Credits being stopped initially,and possibly prosecution.

Pension Credits are also designed for UK Permanent Residents only,so if a claim is made when your real home is in

Thailand that is also Fraud,hence you are not free to spend the money as you wish whist living abroad except

for the 13 weeks leave of absence.

Edited June 4, 2010 by MAJIC

[pschef]

Well that certainly got some reaction, for and against the theory of claiming pension credits. Me I think why not, I worked all my life and paid contributions even whilst working overseas. I come to this stage of life, and they rule me out. I live with my family in Thailand, I live a normal existence. So this rule means I can’t stay with my family, if I don’t work. As the OP stated, we should be able to live where we want and spend our money as we like.

I remember my father at my age, all he did was dream of the day. When he could get his pension, and take care of his garden. Sorry to say he died 3 years after he got it; he had worked all his life and fought in the war. What a shame he didn’t get to enjoy his retirement, and then why I should inherit some of those benefits.

I guess our government prefer to give our benefits to immigrants, people who have never contributed anything to our country

[chiang mai]

Well that certainly got some reaction, for and against the theory of claiming pension credits. Me I think why not, I worked all my life and paid contributions even whilst working overseas. I come to this stage of life, and they rule me out. I live with my family in Thailand, I live a normal existence. So this rule means I can’t stay with my family, if I don’t work. As the OP stated, we should be able to live where we want and spend our money as we like.

I remember my father at my age, all he did was dream of the day. When he could get his pension, and take care of his garden. Sorry to say he died 3 years after he got it; he had worked all his life and fought in the war. What a shame he didn’t get to enjoy his retirement, and then why I should inherit some of those benefits.

I guess our government prefer to give our benefits to immigrants, people who have never contributed anything to our country

Don't be surprised if Pension Credits get the axe at the budget on 22 June.

[pschef]

Hey guys whatever, I was only trying to make the point. We pay in all our lives, me since I left school at 16.

My Mum and Dad paid too, they worked all their life. We are not the (Royle Family)

For the poster who said I only pay NI little bit, he is right in a way. But I did work and pay and I kept up my SMALL subscription whilst working over seas.

But apparently that’s the system, I wonder if he paid any???

I wonder why everyone on Thai visa seem to slag every poster, Are they so right. I am very disappointed with your comments, no I’m not looking for a handout. I hate those people who think they are so right, we all have our own agenda.

I can assure you I drink quite a lot, beer Chang gin and tonic and occasionally a whiskey& soda.

BTW I hate the new website, no more today’s best topics. Get your act together George.

[pschef]

QUOTE (davidthai @ 2010-06-04 22:54:57) QUOTE (somtampet @ 2010-06-04 22:50:17) He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

I know of a man from UK who claimed for this benefit and lived in Thailand, he was caught when he went back to UK and had tp repay all he had received , now everytime he arrives at Heathrow Immigration they log the date and time he arrived in UK , be very carefull

The date and time of arrival is recorded for every UK citizen and has been so since 2002, why else do you think they swipe your passport!

Seems funny how they can do that, I just had a chat with a mate in UK immigration. He told me that to track you, they must have a warrant issued by a court. Otherwise it is agaist civil liberties. Oh well Thai Visa members must know more than He. But just for the record, how many times I go in and out of UK. They never even check my passport, maybe the world is changing.

Edited June 9, 2010 by pschef

[chiang mai]

QUOTE (davidthai @ 2010-06-04 22:54:57) QUOTE (somtampet @ 2010-06-04 22:50:17) He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

I know of a man from UK who claimed for this benefit and lived in Thailand, he was caught when he went back to UK and had tp repay all he had received , now everytime he arrives at Heathrow Immigration they log the date and time he arrived in UK , be very carefull

The date and time of arrival is recorded for every UK citizen and has been so since 2002, why else do you think they swipe your passport!

Seems funny how they can do that, I just had a chat with a mate in UK immigration. He told me that to track you, they must have a warrant issued by a court. Otherwise it is agaist civil liberties. Oh well Thai Visa members must know more than He. But just for the record, how many times I go in and out of UK. They never even check my passport, maybe the world is changing.

You said "track", I said "record"! ALL UK passports are swiped through readers at all major airports in the UK and have been so since around 2003, that process validates the passport and provides input data for the Immigration data base intended to record the movements of travellers - I know that to be true because I was part of the bid team to implement the technology and software. Presumably by now the same system is in place at all points of entry/departure in the UK but am unsure on this point.

[woralak]

I remember a few years ago, I was on a flight going to work in Middle East.

I met this guy who wondered why I was still working at my age, now 62.

I replied because my Pension is not payable for another few years, ha he replied. I've been on Pensions credit since I passed 60; I live in Thailand Pattaya I think he said. I go back to UK only for a few moths a year.

I have recently; well 6 months ago lost my job. I have no income to speak of, and using my savings to live on. Just wonder if I could do the same as him, what my options are. I would be grateful for any ideas; I don't think I will find another job now at my age. Thanks Guys BTW still Have Family I could stay with In UK

Hi im 63 and lived here since 2005,i went back to uk for a holiday in 2007 when i was 60,i checked on pension credit,it only applies if you reside in the uk end of story.

There is however an allowance for winter heating that you may be able to claim,dont know the facts on this as i never looked into it in depth,but i was informed that your entitled to this even if you live abroad ?,if your 60 or over.

Would like to know for myself so if there is anyone that uses the forum and has knowledge about this please let us all,who qualify know the facts,we can then claim something back what we have worked for and entitled too.

[chiang mai]

I remember a few years ago, I was on a flight going to work in Middle East.

I met this guy who wondered why I was still working at my age, now 62.

I replied because my Pension is not payable for another few years, ha he replied. I've been on Pensions credit since I passed 60; I live in Thailand Pattaya I think he said. I go back to UK only for a few moths a year.

I have recently; well 6 months ago lost my job. I have no income to speak of, and using my savings to live on. Just wonder if I could do the same as him, what my options are. I would be grateful for any ideas; I don't think I will find another job now at my age. Thanks Guys BTW still Have Family I could stay with In UK

Hi im 63 and lived here since 2005,i went back to uk for a holiday in 2007 when i was 60,i checked on pension credit,it only applies if you reside in the uk end of story.

There is however an allowance for winter heating that you may be able to claim,dont know the facts on this as i never looked into it in depth,but i was informed that your entitled to this even if you live abroad ?,if your 60 or over.

Would like to know for myself so if there is anyone that uses the forum and has knowledge about this please let us all,who qualify know the facts,we can then claim something back what we have worked for and entitled too.

Why do you think a British pensioner living in Thailand deserves and/or might be elligible for the UK winter heating payment?

[woralak]

I remember a few years ago, I was on a flight going to work in Middle East.

I met this guy who wondered why I was still working at my age, now 62.

I replied because my Pension is not payable for another few years, ha he replied. I've been on Pensions credit since I passed 60; I live in Thailand Pattaya I think he said. I go back to UK only for a few moths a year.

I have recently; well 6 months ago lost my job. I have no income to speak of, and using my savings to live on. Just wonder if I could do the same as him, what my options are. I would be grateful for any ideas; I don't think I will find another job now at my age. Thanks Guys BTW still Have Family I could stay with In UK

Hi im 63 and lived here since 2005,i went back to uk for a holiday in 2007 when i was 60,i checked on pension credit,it only applies if you reside in the uk end of story.

There is however an allowance for winter heating that you may be able to claim,dont know the facts on this as i never looked into it in depth,but i was informed that your entitled to this even if you live abroad ?,if your 60 or over.

Would like to know for myself so if there is anyone that uses the forum and has knowledge about this please let us all,who qualify know the facts,we can then claim something back what we have worked for and entitled too.

Why do you think a British pensioner living in Thailand deserves and/or might be elligible for the UK winter heating payment?

Why do you think their not,like i said i dont know the facts,please read before you write,i only heard thats all,no harm in asking OR IS THERE????.

[pschef]

QUOTE (davidthai @ 2010-06-04 22:54:57) QUOTE (somtampet @ 2010-06-04 22:50:17) He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

I know of a man from UK who claimed for this benefit and lived in Thailand, he was caught when he went back to UK and had tp repay all he had received , now everytime he arrives at Heathrow Immigration they log the date and time he arrived in UK , be very carefull

The date and time of arrival is recorded for every UK citizen and has been so since 2002, why else do you think they swipe your passport!

Seems funny how they can do that, I just had a chat with a mate in UK immigration. He told me that to track you, they must have a warrant issued by a court. Otherwise it is agaist civil liberties. Oh well Thai Visa members must know more than He. But just for the record, how many times I go in and out of UK. They never even check my passport, maybe the world is changing.

You said "track", I said "record"! ALL UK passports are swiped through readers at all major airports in the UK and have been so since around 2003, that process validates the passport and provides input data for the Immigration data base intended to record the movements of travellers - I know that to be true because I was part of the bid team to implement the technology and software. Presumably by now the same system is in place at all points of entry/departure in the UK but am unsure on this point.

Yes you are correct, I used the word track. Record is used now in all European countries, and as you say it’s used for passport validation and immigration data. Most definitely not available to other agencies, as my friend said. To get that kind of information must be a court issue a warrant. Nice to know we are being followed, everywhere we go.

[somtampet]

<!--quoteo(post=3666806:date=2010-06-04 23:29:57:name=Chivas)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chivas @ 2010-06-04 23:29:57) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=3666806"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=3666798:date=2010-06-04 23:25:54:name=somtampet)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (somtampet @ 2010-06-04 23:25:54) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=3666798"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=3666788:date=2010-06-04 23:12:15:name=Chivas)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chivas @ 2010-06-04 23:12:15) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=3666788"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Totally disagree.

Either you're entitled to the credit because of low income/savings or not.

If you are, and then are able to budget accordingly to allow you stay in Thailand (or wherever) then good luck to you.Either that's wholly acceptable OR alcohol and tobacco are forbidden to residents who stay in the uk !! Whats the difference ??

(substitute booze/fags for whatever)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Chivas,get your facts correct.

Any non EU country is 1 month max per tax year,if you are receiving free assistance off the state.I know of 4 people who got caught and had 20,000 gbp fine.

<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Whats the matter with you guys !!!

I'm not doubting or disagreeing with the legislation in place but simply making the point that if you're entitled to it than you should be able to do what you want with it ??

<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Sorry to contradict but under the Pension Credit rules,you are allowed a total of 13 weeks out of the UK.

You need to notify them of departure and when you return to the UK.

Pension Credits rules are different to the full Pension at age 65.whereby you can go anywhere in the World for as long

as you wish,without jeopardising your Pension.

To answer your question:yes you are entitled to it,providing you stick to the rules,staying longer abroad than the

allowed 13 weeks is fraud. And will result in your Pension Credits being stopped initially,and possibly prosecution.

Pension Credits are also designed for UK Permanent Residents only,so if a claim is made when your real home is in

Thailand that is also Fraud,<u>hence you are not free to spend the money as you wish whist living abroad</u> except

for the 13 weeks leave of absence.

Thank god for that majic,some people have got no idea have they.The ones that have the facts dont fiddle the government,the ones that protest are the fiddlers,easey aint it.

[pschef]

I remember a few years ago, I was on a flight going to work in Middle East.

I met this guy who wondered why I was still working at my age, now 62.

I replied because my Pension is not payable for another few years, ha he replied. I've been on Pensions credit since I passed 60; I live in Thailand Pattaya I think he said. I go back to UK only for a few moths a year.

I have recently; well 6 months ago lost my job. I have no income to speak of, and using my savings to live on. Just wonder if I could do the same as him, what my options are. I would be grateful for any ideas; I don't think I will find another job now at my age. Thanks Guys BTW still Have Family I could stay with In UK

Hi im 63 and lived here since 2005,i went back to uk for a holiday in 2007 when i was 60,i checked on pension credit,it only applies if you reside in the uk end of story.

There is however an allowance for winter heating that you may be able to claim,dont know the facts on this as i never looked into it in depth,but i was informed that your entitled to this even if you live abroad ?,if your 60 or over.

Would like to know for myself so if there is anyone that uses the forum and has knowledge about this please let us all,who qualify know the facts,we can then claim something back what we have worked for and entitled too.

Why do you think a British pensioner living in Thailand deserves and/or might be elligible for the UK winter heating payment?

Why do you think their not,like i said i dont know the facts,please read before you write,i only heard thats all,no harm in asking OR IS THERE????.

Yes Woralak they tend to jump in with both feet, some members just love to attack.

I agree you should post for advise without being chastised by those, grammar bugs and grunters on this forum.

[somtampet]

QUOTE (davidthai @ 2010-06-04 22:54:57) QUOTE (somtampet @ 2010-06-04 22:50:17) He was breaking the law if he was receiving pension credits and spending more than a month per year in Thailand.

I do believe pension credits are designed for people who have no savings and no job,but in reality its a scam again by the british scam artists.

I know of a man from UK who claimed for this benefit and lived in Thailand, he was caught when he went back to UK and had tp repay all he had received , now everytime he arrives at Heathrow Immigration they log the date and time he arrived in UK , be very carefull

The date and time of arrival is recorded for every UK citizen and has been so since 2002, why else do you think they swipe your passport!

Seems funny how they can do that, I just had a chat with a mate in UK immigration. He told me that to track you, they must have a warrant issued by a court. Otherwise it is agaist civil liberties. Oh well Thai Visa members must know more than He. But just for the record, how many times I go in and out of UK. They never even check my passport, maybe the world is changing.

You said "track", I said "record"! ALL UK passports are swiped through readers at all major airports in the UK and have been so since around 2003, that process validates the passport and provides input data for the Immigration data base intended to record the movements of travellers - I know that to be true because I was part of the bid team to implement the technology and software. Presumably by now the same system is in place at all points of entry/departure in the UK but am unsure on this point.

Yes you are correct, I used the word track. Record is used now in all European countries, and as you say it’s used for passport validation and immigration data. Most definitely not available to other agencies, as my friend said. To get that kind of information must be a court issue a warrant. Nice to know we are being followed, everywhere we go.

I have no problem that the uk government know where i am.Also,the new passports have a chip and this confirms where we are too.No hiding place for the government fiddlers and about time too.

[pschef]

Oh we have woken another beastie, did anyone mention not wanting the government to know where we are????? Go back to sleep

[chiang mai]

I remember a few years ago, I was on a flight going to work in Middle East.

I met this guy who wondered why I was still working at my age, now 62.

I replied because my Pension is not payable for another few years, ha he replied. I've been on Pensions credit since I passed 60; I live in Thailand Pattaya I think he said. I go back to UK only for a few moths a year.

I have recently; well 6 months ago lost my job. I have no income to speak of, and using my savings to live on. Just wonder if I could do the same as him, what my options are. I would be grateful for any ideas; I don't think I will find another job now at my age. Thanks Guys BTW still Have Family I could stay with In UK

Hi im 63 and lived here since 2005,i went back to uk for a holiday in 2007 when i was 60,i checked on pension credit,it only applies if you reside in the uk end of story.

There is however an allowance for winter heating that you may be able to claim,dont know the facts on this as i never looked into it in depth,but i was informed that your entitled to this even if you live abroad ?,if your 60 or over.

Would like to know for myself so if there is anyone that uses the forum and has knowledge about this please let us all,who qualify know the facts,we can then claim something back what we have worked for and entitled too.

Why do you think a British pensioner living in Thailand deserves and/or might be elligible for the UK winter heating payment?

Why do you think their not,like i said i dont know the facts,please read before you write,i only heard thats all,no harm in asking OR IS THERE????.

Relax, I'm asking a question, that's all. It just seems to me that heating payments (or as I interpret it, hardship payment) is to help take care of older people when the weather in the UK is extremely cold, on that basis a pensioner who is not in the UK shouldn't be elligible, or have I missed something here?

[coxhoedave]

Why do you think a British pensioner living in Thailand deserves and/or might be elligible for the UK winter heating payment?

So far over £10 million has been paid out to Brit retirees abroad (including warm countries such as Spain). So maybe it's not strange that a person living in Thailand feels he may be also entitled. However it is only for Brits living within the EEC and I can't see that lasting too much longer.