To any Australian pensioners on Thaivisa living in Thailand.

I wish to know if you are or have experienced any problems dealing with Centrelink in Australia.

My Thai wife and I have received Centrelink documents to complete for Centrelink records. Cenrelink sent them to me in a prepaid envelope. They also sent to me a prepaid envelope to return the documents to them, including other documents, bank statements etc. There were not enough room in the envelope to accommodate all the paperwork so I purchased a larger envelope. My wife took the letter to theThai Post office with the front of the prepaid envelope attached to return to Australia. The Thai post office rejected it on the grounds that they do not have a agreement with Australia to return mail to them with a prepaid system. Why did they send me this prepaid envelope? I had to pay $7.50.postage. I were born in the U.K. but I have lived in South Australia since 1971. I receive my Centrelink mail from Victoria , New South Wales and Hobart. Strangely not my own state.

I have telephoned Centrelink several times and was informed they would return my call but never did. They also have a email address ....international. [email protected] I have sent 5 emails ,all got returned as undeliverable. They advertise 1300, 1800, telephone numbers to contact them but I think these numbers are for Australia only. I only have a mobile telephone so maybe I will have to try it on a friend's landline. Thank you in advance. I would appreciate any serious views on this topic.

I think this needs to be moved from "Western Food in Thailand" forum

I receive pre-paid reply envelopes from credit card companies etc. all the time but they are valid for use only in Australia so I believe what the Thai Post Office told you is correct.

Why did they send you a pre-paid envelope? Simple answer, with millions of clients Centrelink don't employ rooms filled with people stuffing envelopes but instead automate a lot of these things so no-one is ever even going to look to see if it's being sent overseas. Save yourself the cost of a phone call.

The Paid reply envelope is only for use in Australia and would be computer generated , wake up mate.

Should you need to call them though, they list the international numbers on the website.

Google is your friend if you treat him well just sayin

To Chaiarong.

First may I point out it was not the usual Australian local prepaid envelope I received from Centrelink to return the documents. On the top left hand corner it stated, By Air Mail Par Avion. Underneath this is IBRS/CCRI NO. 78092610 On the right hand top corner where the stamps normally sit there is a square with a thick black line running across diagonally. Printed there is the words: NE PAS AFFRANCI NO STAMP REQUIRED.

Underneath it is printed REPLY PAID ? REPONSE PAYEE AUSTRALIA / AUSTRALIE.

Then:

CENTRELINK, INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, REPLY PAID 7809 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610. AUSTRALIA.

Does this help your deductions why I have to WAKE UP?

Thank the rest of the members for their views and help.

If you check the International Services website you will find a number which you can call reverse charges. The staff are very polite and attentive and provide excellent service.