Please enlighten me ,I have not visited my homeland for 8 years and am therefore out of touch .
Crazy 88
Any problems encountered by those NOT living in Thailand ?
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Korkenzieher
- Guru
- Posts: 983
- Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 4:45 am
- Location: Hua Hin.
Well Britain now resembles an east europian country.If you go in to high street bank you find signs in Polish there are east europian number plates,shops,news papers, clubs, bars, all polish,everywhere even Tesco's now sell Polish products.This country really is loosing it's identity the weather is still shite and everything is very expensive i.e a pint down my local £3.05 20,ciggs £5.50 a litre of diesel is £1.15 and a good old british loaf will set you back £1.20.People are leaving the U.K on mass, house prices are crazy an average semi will cost £225k council tax and utility's sky high.My wife is Thai and has lived here for 2 and a half years, she thinks that this is not that easy a place to live everyone is uptight with the way the economy is, the only thing my wife really does like is the fact that she can earn reasonable money here and to her it seem's good,to us it's the minimum wage £5.50 but she never complains.Well consider yourself updated on the not so great Britain, i wish and dream to come to Thailand it's just not that strait forward to do it when you are it your therty's i am allways looking at ways to try and forfill this. 
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Korkenzieher
- Guru
- Posts: 983
- Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 4:45 am
- Location: Hua Hin.
Not sure why everyone has it in for the Poles all of a sudden. I walk around any European city and see signs in English. Even in Thailand. Locals there don't seem to think it is an issue. In fact, I recall seeing British products in Tesco Lotus, and I'm sure there are British bars and clubs around somewhere too. In fact,you can't *move* for plastic paddy pubs all over the world!
One of the things I've noticed over the last couple of years is the rise in non-discretionary cost of living. The CoL isn't particularly high by other European standards, unless you live in Central London and similar (rents are probably higher at least). But there has been a lurch towards increased regulation, largely under the 'stake-holder' initiatives, which has led to a huge upswing in secure jobs-for-the-boys. I'm thinking electrical, plumbing, central heating and the like. Long since gone are the days when some bloke could come round and do it in his spare time. Everything has to be certified in triplicate and so on.
Also, the Council tax (with you on this one Kendo) was supposed to force councils to be accountable to their electorates, but it has just resulted in the creation of petty fiefdoms. Councils can pretty much demand what they like, and justify it with some kind of marginal service provision. Beverley area has 40%+ of its jobs now in social, health or council services. These are all jobs that the CT has to support.
You can see the problems coming in the Office for National Statistics figures for debt. Most people assume that the young and irresponsible are the ones racking up debt, but the biggest group of increased debtors is men over 60. I believe that is because pensioners are having to borrow to pay the non-discretionary cost of living. The inflation statistics don't cater for it, so their pensions don't rise to cover it, and they don't have incomes they can leverage. The report (last year I think) into CT came up with the brilliant idea of allowing pensioners to sign over chunks of equity in their houses in lieu of CT. It would have made the state the biggest house-holder in the UK, was an utter disgrace as a piece of work, and leans heavily on the deeply socialist concept of discouraging private ownership though heavy taxation of those who can.
In any case, it is a train wreck waiting to happen.
One of the things I've noticed over the last couple of years is the rise in non-discretionary cost of living. The CoL isn't particularly high by other European standards, unless you live in Central London and similar (rents are probably higher at least). But there has been a lurch towards increased regulation, largely under the 'stake-holder' initiatives, which has led to a huge upswing in secure jobs-for-the-boys. I'm thinking electrical, plumbing, central heating and the like. Long since gone are the days when some bloke could come round and do it in his spare time. Everything has to be certified in triplicate and so on.
Also, the Council tax (with you on this one Kendo) was supposed to force councils to be accountable to their electorates, but it has just resulted in the creation of petty fiefdoms. Councils can pretty much demand what they like, and justify it with some kind of marginal service provision. Beverley area has 40%+ of its jobs now in social, health or council services. These are all jobs that the CT has to support.
You can see the problems coming in the Office for National Statistics figures for debt. Most people assume that the young and irresponsible are the ones racking up debt, but the biggest group of increased debtors is men over 60. I believe that is because pensioners are having to borrow to pay the non-discretionary cost of living. The inflation statistics don't cater for it, so their pensions don't rise to cover it, and they don't have incomes they can leverage. The report (last year I think) into CT came up with the brilliant idea of allowing pensioners to sign over chunks of equity in their houses in lieu of CT. It would have made the state the biggest house-holder in the UK, was an utter disgrace as a piece of work, and leans heavily on the deeply socialist concept of discouraging private ownership though heavy taxation of those who can.
In any case, it is a train wreck waiting to happen.
Had enough of the trolls. Going to sleep. I may be some time....
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margaretcarnes
- Rock Star
- Posts: 4172
- Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:28 am
- Location: The Rhubarb Triangle
Any problems encountered by those NOT living in Thailand
Hi Crazy - yes I came back after more than 5 years in LOS, having left England in 99. It was weird. Didn't recognise the new number plate system for a start (and still don't.) All new cars looked the same. Had problems with feeling like an alien - mainly due to having to prove to the authorities that I have a 'right to reside' here. Also found myself standing in front of the pik'n'mix in Woolies in a total stupor and spoilt for choice!
Couldn't wear proper shoes - feet had spread in flip flops.
Serious problems with the inadequacies of the Inland Revenue, and ended up with an overpayment of Tax Credits and underpayment of tax after working for only 20 months. Also employment issues due to having to go on long term sick.
Found that most Government Departments I needed to deal with operate only by telephone contact, and you can't call their freephone numbers from a mobile.
Pharmacies no longer stock the most basic prescription medication, but most have late night opening specifically for dishing out methadone.
On the plus side, I welcome the variety of foreign foods now in the supermarkets. The NHS can really work when you need it (despite MRSA) and at the last count I have no less than 4 recycling bins plus one for landfill stuff!
But getting an NHS dentist is well nigh impossible. Go private young man - or get it done in HH.
Cost of living - as already pointed out - is becoming hummungous. Just today I forked out well over 2 quid for a half kilo of basmati rice. Butter is over a quid, and the same for 6 eggs. But if you have time to shop around theres also a lot of bargains to be had due to the 'sell by date' enforcement.
Overall, would still much prefer to be in HH, but appreciate having a garden again here, and actually being able to get things to grow!
Couldn't wear proper shoes - feet had spread in flip flops.
Serious problems with the inadequacies of the Inland Revenue, and ended up with an overpayment of Tax Credits and underpayment of tax after working for only 20 months. Also employment issues due to having to go on long term sick.
Found that most Government Departments I needed to deal with operate only by telephone contact, and you can't call their freephone numbers from a mobile.
Pharmacies no longer stock the most basic prescription medication, but most have late night opening specifically for dishing out methadone.
On the plus side, I welcome the variety of foreign foods now in the supermarkets. The NHS can really work when you need it (despite MRSA) and at the last count I have no less than 4 recycling bins plus one for landfill stuff!
But getting an NHS dentist is well nigh impossible. Go private young man - or get it done in HH.
Cost of living - as already pointed out - is becoming hummungous. Just today I forked out well over 2 quid for a half kilo of basmati rice. Butter is over a quid, and the same for 6 eggs. But if you have time to shop around theres also a lot of bargains to be had due to the 'sell by date' enforcement.
Overall, would still much prefer to be in HH, but appreciate having a garden again here, and actually being able to get things to grow!
A sprout is for life - not just for Christmas.
Glad to hear its not all doom and gloom Margaret .I took the habitual residency test last time I was back whilst trying to keep myself in the system .I failed ,despite proving that I had studied and acheived 12 professional qualifications in scuba diving instruction and diving medicine .All qualifications are recognised with nvq equivalents at high levels .
Technically I had nowhere to live and no money .I was told I was entitled to NOTHING under any circumstances despite paying contributions for many years . Wanting to get myself back in the system I decided to register myself unemployed in the downstairs office ."you wont get any benefit" "I don't want any,I want a job" . That seemed to shock them . My cv showed professional qualifications and management experience in a number of fields in the UK,Australia and Thailand .It also showed that i had Owned a large public house in the area which I had sold before making the move to Thailand .Not that I ever had any intention of staying in the Uk and forgetting all about running the dive school and resort of course.But they didn't know that .
They offered me a job in witherspoons as floor staff (collecting glasses and emptying ashtrays etc..) 4 pounds odd an hour as I recall .Despite the fact I was on holiday it was too early to go to the pub and they had ruffled my feathers their smug,self satisfied grins so I decided to make them go through my cv .
"Scuba instructor at instructor trainer level ?"
"No call for that in England"
"The BSAC is the largest dive club in the world "
"The what ?"
"CPR ,oxygen therapy,first response and first aid instructor ?"
blank look
"Building services science,electrical engineering ? years of relevant experience ?"
" Theres not much building work around at the moment"
It was January I suppose
And so on, until I could feel a pint coming on and simply told them ....
"Thank you for your time,you have convinced me to return to Thailand .When you walk through that door next monday morning I will be doing my "not a real job" topping up my tan and getting paid twice as much as your boss ."
They even bothered to send me an application denied letter to my mothers address .
Point is if I had returned for good I would have been treated the same .
Crazy 88
Technically I had nowhere to live and no money .I was told I was entitled to NOTHING under any circumstances despite paying contributions for many years . Wanting to get myself back in the system I decided to register myself unemployed in the downstairs office ."you wont get any benefit" "I don't want any,I want a job" . That seemed to shock them . My cv showed professional qualifications and management experience in a number of fields in the UK,Australia and Thailand .It also showed that i had Owned a large public house in the area which I had sold before making the move to Thailand .Not that I ever had any intention of staying in the Uk and forgetting all about running the dive school and resort of course.But they didn't know that .
They offered me a job in witherspoons as floor staff (collecting glasses and emptying ashtrays etc..) 4 pounds odd an hour as I recall .Despite the fact I was on holiday it was too early to go to the pub and they had ruffled my feathers their smug,self satisfied grins so I decided to make them go through my cv .
"Scuba instructor at instructor trainer level ?"
"No call for that in England"
"The BSAC is the largest dive club in the world "
"The what ?"
"CPR ,oxygen therapy,first response and first aid instructor ?"
blank look
"Building services science,electrical engineering ? years of relevant experience ?"
" Theres not much building work around at the moment"
It was January I suppose
And so on, until I could feel a pint coming on and simply told them ....
"Thank you for your time,you have convinced me to return to Thailand .When you walk through that door next monday morning I will be doing my "not a real job" topping up my tan and getting paid twice as much as your boss ."
They even bothered to send me an application denied letter to my mothers address .
Point is if I had returned for good I would have been treated the same .
Crazy 88
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sandman67
- Rock Star
- Posts: 4398
- Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:11 pm
- Location: I thought you had the map?
can someone tell me what the hell a habitual residency test is?
what...so now if I am even unfortunate enough to need to go home for a year or so I have to take a sodding test before I can claim benefits?
I guess I will add that to my list of reasons why I never want to go back to that dung pile.....
ps: Leave Polish people alone....they do the crappy low level jobs Brits are too sodding stuck up to do and work hard at em.
A bloke I did Aikido with was an ex police sergeant in Poland....in the UK he was a school janitor and earned more at that job. He didnt like the fact but he worked bloody hard at it so he could send money back to his family.
what...so now if I am even unfortunate enough to need to go home for a year or so I have to take a sodding test before I can claim benefits?
I guess I will add that to my list of reasons why I never want to go back to that dung pile.....
ps: Leave Polish people alone....they do the crappy low level jobs Brits are too sodding stuck up to do and work hard at em.
A bloke I did Aikido with was an ex police sergeant in Poland....in the UK he was a school janitor and earned more at that job. He didnt like the fact but he worked bloody hard at it so he could send money back to his family.
"Science flew men to the moon. Religion flew men into buildings."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
its a monetary test the goverment conduct, in case you do not get work and the state has to support you with vital benefitscan someone tell me what the hell a habitual residency test is?
they need to know, for you to be resident there again, would you need to develop a 50 quid/day habit, 100 quid/day and so on
seriously though, wherever you live in the world you will encounter problems, things you hate etc
its a case of whether the good outweighs the bad and you have to make an effort, compromise, and make the best of it
.
I think Mags knows a fair bit about that, so hopefully she might reply later on.sandman67 wrote:can someone tell me what the hell a habitual residency test is?
what...so now if I am even unfortunate enough to need to go home for a year or so I have to take a sodding test before I can claim benefits?
I guess I will add that to my list of reasons why I never want to go back to that dung pile.....
ps: Leave Polish people alone....they do the crappy low level jobs Brits are too sodding stuck up to do and work hard at em.
A bloke I did Aikido with was an ex police sergeant in Poland....in the UK he was a school janitor and earned more at that job. He didnt like the fact but he worked bloody hard at it so he could send money back to his family.
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lindosfan1
- Deceased
- Posts: 4069
- Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:26 pm
- Location: uk
domiciled
can someone tell me what the hell a habitual residency test is?
I believe it is similar to the Inland Revenue as to wether you are domiciled or non domiciled.
IE Where is your main place of residence, do you intend to remain in the country.
In all it is a complex piece of legislation, a lot of accountants make a lot of money from it.
In my case my pension (I retired early) remains taxable in the UK. Therefore I am domiciled but non-resident.
What the Poles and members of other states do is come over to england work for 4 months until they have reached the taxable personal allowance. Then claim the tax back then return to their own country where they should then pay tax on that income at a lower rate. Not every case is the same there are many variations.
Getting back to the topic
1. A government that increases the tax at the lowest level but decreases the tax paid at the higher level. (that is a labour government!!!!!!!)
2. Big brother
3. The politically correct brigade
4. Tescos they have destroyed the old fashioned way of shopping
5. No kidneys in my pork chop
6.Council rates water rates
7.tax on petrol and cars
8.cameras spying on you everywhere
9.the nanny government telling you how to do everything (linked to 3)
10 the weather last summer was abysmal.
11. cost of houses and the cost of living.
12 expensive beer. alcohol and cigarettes due to taxes.
I only left 3 months ago what do I miss.
1. good live music
buggar all else
I believe it is similar to the Inland Revenue as to wether you are domiciled or non domiciled.
IE Where is your main place of residence, do you intend to remain in the country.
In all it is a complex piece of legislation, a lot of accountants make a lot of money from it.
In my case my pension (I retired early) remains taxable in the UK. Therefore I am domiciled but non-resident.
What the Poles and members of other states do is come over to england work for 4 months until they have reached the taxable personal allowance. Then claim the tax back then return to their own country where they should then pay tax on that income at a lower rate. Not every case is the same there are many variations.
Getting back to the topic
1. A government that increases the tax at the lowest level but decreases the tax paid at the higher level. (that is a labour government!!!!!!!)
2. Big brother
3. The politically correct brigade
4. Tescos they have destroyed the old fashioned way of shopping
5. No kidneys in my pork chop
6.Council rates water rates
7.tax on petrol and cars
8.cameras spying on you everywhere
9.the nanny government telling you how to do everything (linked to 3)
10 the weather last summer was abysmal.
11. cost of houses and the cost of living.
12 expensive beer. alcohol and cigarettes due to taxes.
I only left 3 months ago what do I miss.
1. good live music
buggar all else
Last edited by lindosfan1 on Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Woke up this morning breathing that's a good start to the day.
I have note got a problem with any paticular east europian country but please consider this if you have been out of the U.K for some time.Controlled migration like wot Australia has is good for an economy,but when it is to the proporton of flood gates it is very annoying.Schools have been put under massive strain because some classes have 50% of children that can't speak English from more than one country and that affects the learning speed of the whole class.It has also put a massive strain on housing many many people cannot afford to get on the housing ladder so are forced to rent, and with millions of migrants moving here it really has pushed the rents up.The social security offices are over run with E.U migrants wanting to be housed and clame benifits as soon as the get to these shores and i have it on good allthority from the lady that interviewed my wife, that they even clame benifits for children that are not here.My wife is Thai, and when she came to the U.K on a sponsered married visa, we had to wait six weeks to get a national insurance number, because of the back log in all these migrants that want to work are system.My wife's visa states "no recorse to public funds" in short she can, and does work hard pay tax aand national insurance but is not allowed to clame a penny from our system because she is a non E.U resident and then she would be breaking the rules of her visa.From the 4 of April 2007 to stay in the U.K more than 2 years, if you are a non E.U resident you have to do the life in the U.K test,this test used to be for citizenship only but is now manditory for indefinate leave to remain, after the two years.This test is 5 catogorys and you have to know 400 qestions on life in the U.K, history, politics,education,the monarchy,goverment and more...My wife is fluent English speaker and can read and write english it was very difficult for her to pass this test she failed the first time after fore months of study and alot of revision.I tested loads of my friends with the mock tests and not one of them could pass this test.So from my point of view, if you come from another country inside the E.U its happy days lets go to britain and get benifits imediatly with out putting in one penny.There are plenty of needy old foke here that could do with a little bit more, thats why i am not happy with Britain. 
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lindosfan1
- Deceased
- Posts: 4069
- Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:26 pm
- Location: uk
britain
Kendo
I agree with what you are saying my Thai partner came over for 6 months not to work just to stay.
The questions we had to answer were ridiculous especially we had made sure that she had private medical cover.
I am afraid what you wrote about is the fault of the EU and the current government who agreed this could happen.
Their predictions as to how many would come over was so far out it was farcical.
Also what this did it introduced cheaper labour but the cost of goods or services did not reflect that. More money in the fat cats pocket.
This government in the last 10 years have destoyed the country and the populations pensions.
Who is the prime minister a scot whose country want separate rule.
England must be the laughing stock of the world
I agree with what you are saying my Thai partner came over for 6 months not to work just to stay.
The questions we had to answer were ridiculous especially we had made sure that she had private medical cover.
I am afraid what you wrote about is the fault of the EU and the current government who agreed this could happen.
Their predictions as to how many would come over was so far out it was farcical.
Also what this did it introduced cheaper labour but the cost of goods or services did not reflect that. More money in the fat cats pocket.
This government in the last 10 years have destoyed the country and the populations pensions.
Who is the prime minister a scot whose country want separate rule.
England must be the laughing stock of the world
Woke up this morning breathing that's a good start to the day.
I hope I'm not veering off topic, but I used to really enjoy going back to the UK. That's been 5 times in the last 10 years, the last time with my wife. I usually stay a month.
I have a great time, every time. Mind you, I have been staying with my parents in the country, with friends in London and occasionally in my property if tenants weren't there.
I simply havn't got the experience back in the UK now to pass judgement, but I've never had a bad time.However, if I had to go back there permanently, then I'd have to ask myself questions.
My wife? Her ILR? I've been following all that on this forum and the British press. I'm sure she could hold her own, but it's not as easy as it was.
The tax office are fierce. Hey, I'm registered as a Non Resident Landlord Living Abroad. But, I bet I still owe some tax to my home country even though I'm never really there and never claim or try to use the social services. I thought I'd got 90 days in any tax year. Seems like Thailand with their 90 day departing or reporting. What's the difference?
My father, who's about 80 now, giving me another "driving test" in the family car. I was fully insured. He "failed" me because I took one hand off the wheel on two occasions!! A rai?
My parents telling me I was going over 70mph on a motorway. "The cameras can get you" despite the fact that I was only doing 80mph and would have slowed down after passing. It was a clear road.
"Don't go into town - Lincolnshire - on a Saturday night because there's dreadful trouble everywhere". I havn't gone in that much as there are very few people I know there now, but when I have, again I've had a good time. No problems at all.
There's a chance that I'll go back in a couple of weeks - if necessary. If I have to do it, I'll have to enjoy it.
If we get to the stage where we have to move, I think it's about time for big swim to Pattaya. "Reginald Perrin" rules.
Anyway, thanks for your patience. My missus has gone to the last day of Songkran with her family, so I've got a chance to get blind drunk
I have a great time, every time. Mind you, I have been staying with my parents in the country, with friends in London and occasionally in my property if tenants weren't there.
I simply havn't got the experience back in the UK now to pass judgement, but I've never had a bad time.However, if I had to go back there permanently, then I'd have to ask myself questions.
My wife? Her ILR? I've been following all that on this forum and the British press. I'm sure she could hold her own, but it's not as easy as it was.
The tax office are fierce. Hey, I'm registered as a Non Resident Landlord Living Abroad. But, I bet I still owe some tax to my home country even though I'm never really there and never claim or try to use the social services. I thought I'd got 90 days in any tax year. Seems like Thailand with their 90 day departing or reporting. What's the difference?
My father, who's about 80 now, giving me another "driving test" in the family car. I was fully insured. He "failed" me because I took one hand off the wheel on two occasions!! A rai?
My parents telling me I was going over 70mph on a motorway. "The cameras can get you" despite the fact that I was only doing 80mph and would have slowed down after passing. It was a clear road.
"Don't go into town - Lincolnshire - on a Saturday night because there's dreadful trouble everywhere". I havn't gone in that much as there are very few people I know there now, but when I have, again I've had a good time. No problems at all.
There's a chance that I'll go back in a couple of weeks - if necessary. If I have to do it, I'll have to enjoy it.
If we get to the stage where we have to move, I think it's about time for big swim to Pattaya. "Reginald Perrin" rules.
Anyway, thanks for your patience. My missus has gone to the last day of Songkran with her family, so I've got a chance to get blind drunk