foreign bank account

[saintpeter48]

can i get state pension paid into a thai bank account. i reach 60 next january and am thinking of living in thailand and wondered what charges etc will apply or is it done free of charge. any help much appreciated, thanks.

[Ethel]

There will be charges of some sort - by your bank for conversion from GBP to baht.

Are you aware that your pension will not increase if you move to Thailand? There is no reciprocal agreement between Thailand and the UK so your pension will be frozen - no inflation increases.

[saintpeter48]

thankyou, i was not aware. any more advice from anyone as what to do.thanks

[Ethel]

Are you married to a Thai or have any familial connection with Thailand?

It is impossible for foreigners to buy land in Thailand - you can buy a house, but only lease the land. If you wish to later sell up and move back to the UK it is very difficult to get your money out of Thailand.

Have you been to Thailand? Do you understand the politics and the laws? Can you speak the language?

[saintpeter48]

i am married to a thai and have been there about 15 times, i know about the difficulty re land etc, just wondered if there was an easy way for pension to be paid, better than popping back every 6 months or so to claim it.

[CushtyFred]

How much did your Thai bride cost?

[Ethel]

Surely you don't get your state pension until you are 65?

[saintpeter48]

cushtyfred, dont insult me with your cheap jibe, dont criticise something you know nothing about, SHAME ON YOU ,FOOL!!!

[jmck66]

saint peter,you could open a nationwide building society bank acct ,get your pension paid into that ,then all withdrawals are freeplus you get an excellent exchange rate. my friend lives in thailand and does all his banking with nationwide b s and has had no problems in the last 5 years

[saintpeter48]

JMCK, thank you for that, will make enquiries in the morning.