Just curious, but can't the British Embassy help with such cases? No need for a whip around to pay for a one-way ticket home. No need to fund the 20K for overstay.

If the British Embassy refuse to help their own citizens (I somehow doubt that), then I would go to Thai Immigration and explain I'm destitute on overstay - might end up in the pokey for a few weeks until the British gov are forced to do something. What does he expect - a holiday camp?

Are you really that niave? If so it would serve you well to read up on what the UK embassy staff can and will do vs your expectations, there's a huge divide.

Im sorry cant help Banzai , i hope someone can . Please members lets not go after this guy about blowing his cash etc.etc. some positive advice would be nice just wish i could hand some out.

Gl to your friend OP hope it turns out ok.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why would you want to wish good luck to a common thief and fraudster.

There is no badge of honour in screwing credit card companies for a debt that the rest of us honest citizens finish up paying for.

People like this are irresponsible and the dregs of society.

He must be very proud that after 63 years of his life he cannot afford a pot to p!ss in.

Please do tell how and why an honest citizen like yourself would pay for his credit card debt??

Banks write bad debts off , they certainly do not split it between bank account holders.

Considering interest rates they charge for credit cards, there is a very good chance credit was paid in full or almost in full , the rest is interest.

And even he he did not make 1 single payment, banks loose or make billions daily, so the 20k debt really does not even get noticed in a big picture

I mean really, do some people ever think before they post or just vomit out whatever hits the brain?

Now back to OP, nothing to worry about unpaid debts, not to mention if debts were accumulated some years ago credit may already be clean as most countries put you on bad credit rating for 5-7 years.

Naturally he would be better off back in UK because UK has a social welfare system , healthcare etc.

In Thailand he has nothing and health will only get worse, so having free medical would most certainly help.

Are you REALLY that naiive ?

Any business, banks or otherwise, pass on their losses to customers. Customers ALWAYS pay at the end of the day. Losses are factored into operating costs - if those costs go up (eg by fraudent actions such as this guy) then those costs are factored into charges. Has it not occured to you that if everyone played the white man then interest rates and other charges might be lower ?

I am amazed how many people try and justify theft by credit card

Let me get this right. You actually saying and believe banks would not raise fees if no one defaulted on their payments?

You actually believe fees are raised because of unpaid debts? and not because of banks reckless gambling and investments?

Do enlighten me what was/is fraudulent? That he used his credit cards, but was unable to pay? You trying to say people who have money use credit cards?

People start businesses and fail, people loose jobs and can not pay, people have emergency's and can not pay, there is absolutely nothing fraudulent about that.

The only crime here is the bank which charges 22%-30% in interest and then also adds penalties if you late on payment.

Credit cards are unsecured loans, hence the interest 10-20 times the official interest rate.

Im sorry cant help Banzai , i hope someone can . Please members lets not go after this guy about blowing his cash etc.etc. some positive advice would be nice just wish i could hand some out.

Gl to your friend OP hope it turns out ok.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why would you want to wish good luck to a common thief and fraudster.

There is no badge of honour in screwing credit card companies for a debt that the rest of us honest citizens finish up paying for.

People like this are irresponsible and the dregs of society.

He must be very proud that after 63 years of his life he cannot afford a pot to p!ss in.

Now back to OP, nothing to worry about unpaid debts, not to mention if debts were accumulated some years ago credit may already be clean as most countries put you on bad credit rating for 5-7 years.

Let me say it again. Debts are statute barred in England and Wales after 6 years. In Scotland they're statute barred after 5 years. I'm not talking about 'most countries' and I'm not guessing. What I have posted are facts.

There is no statute of limitations on criminal actions.

Thank you for clarifying, i am not from England or Scotland and hence why i said 5-7 years.

Non payment of credit card is not a criminal offence, unless credit card was obtained under false pretense or fake documentation.

It must be niavity night!

Why would you want to wish good luck to a common thief and fraudster.

There is no badge of honour in screwing credit card companies for a debt that the rest of us honest citizens finish up paying for.

People like this are irresponsible and the dregs of society.

He must be very proud that after 63 years of his life he cannot afford a pot to p!ss in.

Please do tell how and why an honest citizen like yourself would pay for his credit card debt??

Banks write bad debts off , they certainly do not split it between bank account holders.

Considering interest rates they charge for credit cards, there is a very good chance credit was paid in full or almost in full , the rest is interest.

And even he he did not make 1 single payment, banks loose or make billions daily, so the 20k debt really does not even get noticed in a big picture

I mean really, do some people ever think before they post or just vomit out whatever hits the brain?

Now back to OP, nothing to worry about unpaid debts, not to mention if debts were accumulated some years ago credit may already be clean as most countries put you on bad credit rating for 5-7 years.

Naturally he would be better off back in UK because UK has a social welfare system , healthcare etc.

In Thailand he has nothing and health will only get worse, so having free medical would most certainly help.

Are you REALLY that naiive ?

Any business, banks or otherwise, pass on their losses to customers. Customers ALWAYS pay at the end of the day. Losses are factored into operating costs - if those costs go up (eg by fraudent actions such as this guy) then those costs are factored into charges. Has it not occured to you that if everyone played the white man then interest rates and other charges might be lower ?

I am amazed how many people try and justify theft by credit card

Let me get this right. You actually saying and believe banks would not raise fees if no one defaulted on their payments?

You actually believe fees are raised because of unpaid debts? and not because of banks reckless gambling and investments?

Do enlighten me what was/is fraudulent? That he used his credit cards, but was unable to pay? You trying to say people who have money use credit cards?

People start businesses and fail, people loose jobs and can not pay, people have emergency's and can not pay, there is absolutely nothing fraudulent about that.

The only crime here is the bank which charges 22%-30% in interest and then also adds penalties if you late on payment.

Credit cards are unsecured loans, hence the interest 10-20 times the official interest rate.

Go read the Theft Act 1968.

63 you say? He could practically claim he was trafficked to Thailand as a child slave. Maybe end up getting adopted and have some compensation too.

Different strokes isnt it, you could look at this from many points of view, I am not saying any one of them is right, just throwing in sone "what if" for those quick to judge to considerfor a moment.

1 Ok, the guy screwed up and is now reaping the rewards of his past actions and failures.

2 Who knows what led to the guy hitting the bottle, prior he may have been doing OK

3 There, subject to circumstance could be anyone of us, (it only takes a personal tradgedy, some bad luck)

and no one really knows the true facts only a brief outline.

4 He's finally run out of luck wheeling dealing and using everyone and anyone he can.

5 He's clinically depressed, mentally ill and needs someone to help him before its too late.

6 If he really is "alone" no family friends etc, how sad is that, did he deserve it, what did he do to end up with no one at 63, was it his fault, was he fleeced and dumped, that can happen easily here.

The credit card aspect and loans , well there is no real excuse for that in my book, but it is history, more than 15 years ago. As the saying goes "let he who is without .....etc etc..so dont sit in judgement guys, life can and does kick you in thd teeth at times and it isnt always as simple as it may appear from the outside.

It must be niavity night!

What gets me are the half wits who seem to genuinely believe that perpetrating card fraud is 'fair game' against the banks.

I am no lover of the banks but to take money that you know you do not have the means to pay back - or ' doing your cards' by taking cash advances as the OP's 'friend' did - is a criminal offence.

It is wrong and no amount of left wing ranting about interest rates being too high/banks get what they deserve will ever make it "right".

Some people need to grow a pair and take responsibility for their actions.

He should go back and get a job. Lazy prick.

Different strokes isnt it, you could look at this from many points of view, I am not saying any one of them is right, just throwing in sone "what if" for those quick to judge to considerfor a moment.

1 Ok, the guy screwed up and is now reaping the rewards of his past actions and failures.

2 Who knows what led to the guy hitting the bottle, prior he may have been doing OK

3 There, subject to circumstance could be anyone of us, (it only takes a personal tradgedy, some bad luck)

and no one really knows the true facts only a brief outline.

4 He's finally run out of luck wheeling dealing and using everyone and anyone he can.

5 He's clinically depressed, mentally ill and needs someone to help him before its too late.

6 If he really is "alone" no family friends etc, how sad is that, did he deserve it, what did he do to end up with no one at 63, was it his fault, was he fleeced and dumped, that can happen easily here.

The credit card aspect and loans , well there is no real excuse for that in my book, but it is history, more than 15 years ago. As the saying goes "let he who is without .....etc etc..so dont sit in judgement guys, life can and does kick you in thd teeth at times and it isnt always as simple as it may appear from the outside.

Good post.

Not sure if there is any evidence for No5.

I agree about the cards being history and the debt is statute barred (but I will oppose anyone who tries to justify the act of theft).

Go read the Theft Act 1968.

Why do not you post it for me and then explain how unpaid credit cards fall into that

It must be niavity night!

What gets me are the half wits who seem to genuinely believe that perpetrating card fraud is 'fair game' against the banks.

I am no lover of the banks but to take money that you know you do not have the means to pay back - or ' doing your cards' by taking cash advances as the OP's 'friend' did - is a criminal offence.

It is wrong and no amount of left wing ranting about interest rates being too high/banks get what they deserve will ever make it "right".

Some people need to grow a pair and take responsibility for their actions.

Yup, agreed fully, I blame it on upbringing and education, or the lack of.

Different strokes isnt it, you could look at this from many points of view, I am not saying any one of them is right, just throwing in sone "what if" for those quick to judge to considerfor a moment.

1 Ok, the guy screwed up and is now reaping the rewards of his past actions and failures.

2 Who knows what led to the guy hitting the bottle, prior he may have been doing OK

3 There, subject to circumstance could be anyone of us, (it only takes a personal tradgedy, some bad luck)

and no one really knows the true facts only a brief outline.

4 He's finally run out of luck wheeling dealing and using everyone and anyone he can.

5 He's clinically depressed, mentally ill and needs someone to help him before its too late.

6 If he really is "alone" no family friends etc, how sad is that, did he deserve it, what did he do to end up with no one at 63, was it his fault, was he fleeced and dumped, that can happen easily here.

The credit card aspect and loans , well there is no real excuse for that in my book, but it is history, more than 15 years ago. As the saying goes "let he who is without .....etc etc..so dont sit in judgement guys, life can and does kick you in thd teeth at times and it isnt always as simple as it may appear from the outside.

Good post.

Not sure if there is any evidence for No5.

I agree about the cards being history and the debt is statute barred (but I will oppose anyone who tries to justify the act of theft).

He wrote....what if....which most likely is the situation.

Correct, theft can never be justified.

I wouldn't suggest the prison route.

I've been homeless in London as an active alcoholic and it was very difficult to get a warm, dry place to sleep. Funny thing was that most the homeless seemed to be fellow Scots and they helped me out on many an occasion.

I suggest going back in summer.

Sorry, haven't a clue about Citizen's advice etc these days.

What helped me was going to an AA meeting and this is the best advice I could give your friend.

He should go back and get a job. Lazy prick.

Wow, judgmental or what!

A harsh crowd of sub 30 year olds in town tonight, methinks many will temper their views when they get closer to 65, if they are lucky enough to do so, I reckon many will not be so

I am 65 and I've got no sympathy for him at all. I would have enormous sympathy if his problems weren't of his own making. He took what wasn't his. That's fraud and a criminal offence that was deliberately committed. The old cry of the 'banks have got enough money' doesn't wash with me . Some of that money is mine and I am not happy that people think it's OK to steal it.

He is lucky that he is going back to the UK, instead of the US. In America a single man can get no government help, other than a small amount of food stamps. In the UK, he can get on the dole.

Go read the Theft Act 1968.

Why do not you post it for me and then explain how unpaid credit cards fall into that

Do your own leg work and look also at the Fraud Act 2006.

Note:

Using Credit Cards With No Intent to Pay - Fraud

If you purchase items on credit with no intent to pay for them, it is considered fraud

Also note this comment from a Metropolitan Police report on card fraud.

Cheque and Credit Card fraud affects everyone in society; directly those who

possess an account with a financial institution; indirectly those who pay more

for goods and services due to the ‘fraud factor’ - the price premium imposed

by companies to compensate for losses.

Im sorry cant help Banzai , i hope someone can . Please members lets not go after this guy about blowing his cash etc.etc. some positive advice would be nice just wish i could hand some out.

Gl to your friend OP hope it turns out ok.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why would you want to wish good luck to a common thief and fraudster.

There is no badge of honour in screwing credit card companies for a debt that the rest of us honest citizens finish up paying for.

People like this are irresponsible and the dregs of society.

He must be very proud that after 63 years of his life he cannot afford a pot to p!ss in.

It is no crime to steal from a thief. The biggest thieves in the world are insurance companies and they are owned by banks who own credit card companies. The rest of us had to prop them up for a global financial crisis that they caused but nobody denegrated them and call them the dregs of the earth. For all you know this poor bastard fought for your freedom to speak such garbage. Where is your compassion and honour?

Which is a great policy if all you have to do is label all of your victims thieves in order to justify stealing from them.

Sure I mugged Bob. He had it coming. I saw him give the wrong change to someone once.

Ahhh, well in that case, all charges are dropped, sir!

I know a lot of people are upset at credit card companies and the lot due to the financial crisis they caused but he did this 15 years ago, before the financial crisis. It wasn't like he was nobly sticking it to the man. He was scamming the system. His only objective then was to raise cash so he could go live the fantasy life in Thailand. A dream most everyone in this forum has had except we all figured out a financially responsible way to do it.

Book your friend into a highrise hotel.

Upper level.

A couple of bottles of the cheap stuff for entertainment.

Walk away,await the new balcony statistic.

The longer this thread goes on...the quicker it will come to its close......where is OP btw ?

He should go back and get a job. Lazy prick.

Wow, judgmental or what!

Not really, but having read some of your stuff you'd be pretty good at being judgemental as well.

Im sorry cant help Banzai , i hope someone can . Please members lets not go after this guy about blowing his cash etc.etc. some positive advice would be nice just wish i could hand some out.

Gl to your friend OP hope it turns out ok.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why would you want to wish good luck to a common thief and fraudster.

There is no badge of honour in screwing credit card companies for a debt that the rest of us honest citizens finish up paying for.

People like this are irresponsible and the dregs of society.

He must be very proud that after 63 years of his life he cannot afford a pot to p!ss in.

It is no crime to steal from a thief. The biggest thieves in the world are insurance companies and they are owned by banks who own credit card companies. The rest of us had to prop them up for a global financial crisis that they caused but nobody denegrated them and call them the dregs of the earth. For all you know this poor bastard fought for your freedom to speak such garbage. Where is your compassion and honour?

I have some sympathy for the guy but the Robin Hood line is stretching it a bit: the companies wear the cost of the fraud? NO, it's the honest buggers like the rest of us who pay though higher fees and charges. Profits are not affected, consumers are.

A harsh crowd of sub 30 year olds in town tonight, methinks many will temper their views when they get closer to 65, if they are lucky enough to do so, I reckon many will not be so

Well over 30 but shy of 65 and I can tell you that if you're my age and aren't thinking every moment about how you'll be able to care for yourself when you're no longer able to earn a living (and he's still young enough to earn a living) then you probably need to re-evaluate things.

I think people, myself included, would feel more compassion if he was the victim of circumstance. Had his poor fortune been the result of some magically bad karma beyond his control, then I think we all can sympathize with him.

But it appears that he's a tragically flawed human being who has been scamming the system for many, many years and his luck eventually ran out. It's hard to feel sympathetic for a guy who has spent a good chunk of his adult life avoiding doing what everyone else does for fear of ending up just like him.

Go read the Theft Act 1968.

Why do not you post it for me and then explain how unpaid credit cards fall into that

Do your own leg work and look also at the Fraud Act 2006.

Note:

Using Credit Cards With No Intent to Pay - Fraud

If you purchase items on credit with no intent to pay for them, it is considered fraud

Also note this comment from a Metropolitan Police report on card fraud.

Cheque and Credit Card fraud affects everyone in society; directly those who

possess an account with a financial institution; indirectly those who pay more

for goods and services due to the ‘fraud factor’ - the price premium imposed

by companies to compensate for losses.

Ohh so now you are not only an honest citizen but a mind reader are you???

You KNOW and can prove he used credit cards with no intent to pay?

Thanks for the note, so should Metropolitan police charge all bank management? Because they surely loose money on bad investments and then pass on the premiums, just as insurance company's do.

Any more useful useless links and statements?

For someone who showed great resourcefulness prior to arriving in Thailand, having scammed enough to survive here 15 years, have enough to lose to bad women and bad businesses, this man is now curiously out of ideas?

Oh, wait! The people helping him are the victims this time. He hasn't stopped scamming.

T

Exactly. And as someone else commented, you can't help people who don't want help.

If he was a recovering alcoholic, I'm at least a step closer to feeling sympathy for the guy. But, basically, he's just taking his problems back to the UK and expecting the taxpayers to fund his poor choices in life just like he expected the credit card companies to fund his exciting new life in Thailand.

And, something tells me, his life was already on a downward spiral prior to the credit card fraud. You don't typically wake up one morning with a good paying job, friends, etc, and decide to pull off an elaborate scam and escape to Thailand. I'm thinking his life in Thailand was a mirror of what his life was in the UK prior to the credit card fraud. Explains why he has no friends or family who would even give him a couch to sleep on until he gets on his feet.

At least he has some help in the UK... In the US, he comes off the plane, he's on his own..

I think he would be better to fake a heart attack and go to hospital than jail.

Or become mentally unstable and get a nice bed in a home with a garden view.

Or go out in style...stand in middle of piccadilly naked and run around shouting I've got a big bomb up my arrse...

Such creative ideas Showbags. I love it!

So too much loan, credit fraud, anything else he has done before leaving UK?/??

Im sorry cant help Banzai , i hope someone can . Please members lets not go after this guy about blowing his cash etc.etc. some positive advice would be nice just wish i could hand some out.

Gl to your friend OP hope it turns out ok.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why would you want to wish good luck to a common thief and fraudster.

There is no badge of honour in screwing credit card companies for a debt that the rest of us honest citizens finish up paying for.

People like this are irresponsible and the dregs of society.

He must be very proud that after 63 years of his life he cannot afford a pot to p!ss in.

It is no crime to steal from a thief. The biggest thieves in the world are insurance companies and they are owned by banks who own credit card companies. The rest of us had to prop them up for a global financial crisis that they caused but nobody denegrated them and call them the dregs of the earth. For all you know this poor bastard fought for your freedom to speak such garbage. Where is your compassion and honour?

I have some sympathy for the guy but the Robin Hood line is stretching it a bit: the companies wear the cost of the fraud? NO, it's the honest buggers like the rest of us who pay though higher fees and charges. Profits are not affected, consumers are.

It makes no difference what so ever if the there are unpaid debts, if anything banks benefit from it, because they write it off as a loss and claim it on tax.

Banks raise fees and pass it on to consumers when they make bad investments, when they come up short on profits. Rest assured their profits are hardly affected by unpaid credit cards.

What is even worse, they take out insurance on most of the loans.

As explained earlier unsecured loans like credit cards have interest rates 10-20 times the variable rate, so if person fails to pay off the credit card half way through in many cases bank had already recouped the loaned amount.

Once debt is no longer serviced, perhaps you were not aware, but bank sells it to collection agency for anything like 10cent to a dollar or 20 cents to a dollar.

So again not only they write it off as a loss and get tax rebate, they recoup money from payments and then make money on selling the debt.

When bank lends millions or billions to government or corporations or to other banks and they fall behind in payments, is when loss gets passed onto consumers,