Can I live in Thailand on the Australian Aged Pension, and what are the living costs like?

Sep 8, 2024
2 months ago
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
f you go to live in Thailand on the Australian Aged Pension (AAP) you will receive from Centrelink about Bt 620,000 per year or about Bt12,000 per week (Aus $27,000 per year). You can rent a condo in Hua Hin or a similar A/C condo long-term for about Bt 84,000 per year. The other Bt 530,000 or so is for you to do as you like, perhaps you might have to pay some tax or perhaps not. The Thai Tax department does not know...yet
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the eligibility and financial aspects of living in Thailand on the Australian Aged Pension (AAP). Recipients generally receive around AU$27,000 yearly while living in Thailand, with many highlighting that after living in Australia for two years and qualifying for the pension, one can make it portable to Thailand. There are also discussions about tax implications—in particular, whether the AAP is taxable in Thailand, which seems to depend on various factors including tax residency status and agreements between the two countries. Comments reflect differing views on living in locations like Hua Hin versus Pattaya, considerations for health care, and potential tax obligations.
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Charlimo *********
This post is bull. If you don't live in Australia as a citizen, you will Not get any pension overseas for long!!!
David ********
@Charlimo ********
It's called the 35 year rule for aged pension. You will get the the full basic pension if you have been a residential taxpayer for 35 years. If not it's a sliding scale reduced amount. EG.you get $1000 Aged Pension while in Australia. You head overseas and you have only been a residential taxpayer for 25 years. Your $1000 pension will be reduced to about $715.
Tracey ********
@Charlimo ********
yes you will. You can make your age pension portable. You keep getting it while living aboard for years. As long as you have done the 2 year stay in Australia when applying for it. My inlaws are doing it and I have friends that are doing it. Google it info is on the aus gov site.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have put similar explanations on this site and hundreds of times on other sites over the years, If you peruse Centrelink's website it's all there. Most people have trouble finding what they need to know, thank you for your reply and hope all goes well for you. Good luck.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tracey *******
...To get the full Australian Aged Pension (AAP) you have to be a resident in Australia for 35 years between the ages of 16 y/o top 67 y/o and prove it so, you must be a resident over 10 years to apply. You will only get
****
for each year over 10 years i.e. 20 years residency in Aus you will only get
*****
ths of the AAP only. If you have lived in Aus during that time you will have done your 2 in Aus to make it portable at 67 y/o. You can only apply for the AAP if you are a resident of Aus. When you apply. If you obtain portability after 2 years you will get about $27,000 AAP with no supplement, rent assistance Medicare cover, mostly free prescriptions and lots of other things. Just the AAP is all you will get outside Aus,. This is about $2,000 less than the full pension, that part is called the AAP supplement. That stops after 6 weeks when you leave Aus. The AAP is granted for life as long as your assets are within the prescribed amount set by Centrelink assets and income requirements. i.e over $545,000 you will lose 50 cents in the dollar each fortnight till the pension payment stops.

The extra payments I get and Medicare far outweigh the cost of holidaying in Thailand once or twice a year. In fact, the extra benefits I get by being a resident of Aus and lengthy trips overseas is about $10,000 per year or more and no likelihood of Taxation anywhere especially in Aus.
Tracey ********
@David *******
yeah I knew all this I am 60 and an aussie born in aus still here now until we retire. I have screenshot your explanation to put in my thailand folder. I save everything that might helped in future years as my husband born in nz only got citizenship 4 years ago. Thankyou for your help
Charlimo *********
Stupid to put things about the tax department on FB. You must be brain damaged!!
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I only now intend to travel to Thailand on a tourist visas. Definitely less than 180 days. Perhaps 2 times in a year.
Frank ********
@David *******
that is my thinking also, until there is some clarification.
Frank ********
Before leaving Thailand, you would need to file the normal income tax return on income derived in Thailand. Fifteen days before you leave, apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Revenue Department. This should verify that your income was non-taxable by the Thailand tax authority.
Frank ********
The Revenue Department is preparing to amend the law to collect taxes from individuals who have income from abroad, even if that income is not brought into the country.

The new system would be based on the widely recognised principle of worldwide income, said Kulaya Tantitemit, the director-general of the department.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *******
Director of what department, many seem to have different opinions? I don't pay any tax in Australia because it is under Australia's threshold. You would need to peruse any agreement between Australia and Thailand before coming up with a definitive answer. Do you suggest that any tourist to Thailand coming on a tourist visa will have to get clearance and or provide details of the income obtained abroad...I think not.
Frank ********
Nonetheless, tax experts now admit that for decades, Thailand has effectively been a tax haven for retirees or foreigners living on income treated tax-free from abroad.

Revenue Department has set its eyes on all income earned in 2024 and is requiring tax returns from all Section 41 foreign residents by March 31st 2025

So at the very least you will have to pay an accountant to file for you. Maybe do it yourself, but good luck arguing a tax concern. This will create tax revenue and very good paying accountant jobs.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *******
...I wish them luck?
Frank ********
@David *******
Before leaving Thailand, you would need to file the normal income tax return on income derived in Thailand. Fifteen days before you leave, apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Revenue Department. This should verify that your income was non-taxable by the Thailand tax authority.
Roger **********
Depends if you’re alive. Living involves getting out.
Kirsten *********
If you’re already taxed in Aus you should not be taxed in Thailand
David ****************
@Kirsten ********
if there is a DTA between...
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Possibly 90% of cases from Australians going to live long term in Thailand have not and do not have any requirement to pay tax in Australia. So where does that leave tax in Thailand? $27,000 is well under the tax threshold for persons over 67 y/o and Super is not taxed by the ATO anyway (mostly).
Kirsten *********
which there is or I would not have mentioned it
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%20there%20an%20Australian%2DThailand,taxation%20while%20residing%20in%20Thailand.
Benny ********
Dude, just go or call them, everyone's circumstances are different which will determine your outcome
Paula *********
What about your 800,000 you need in the bank for your retirement visa every year?
Mma *******
Yes don't bother banking your money, giddyup. Ways around it.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paula ********
...There are ways to overcome this issue...say no more.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Perhaps you should visit a Visa agent in Thailand or borrow the Bt 800,000. Yes their are ways .
Colin *********
@Ross *********
in not sure that's quite correct, is it (your first sentence about being on the pension for two years before getting it overseas)? If you have been living overseas for a period of time, then you do have to live in Australia for two years before you can then live overseas and still get the basic pension and basic pension supplement. If you've lived only in Australia for a long time leading up to retirement age, like I have (50+years), there is no portability period that applies from what I've read, but maybe you can direct me to something official, such as an Australian government webpage? Once a person who's been living overseas for a long time has been back in Australia for two years to qualify for pension portability, they can then move overseas.
Ross **********
@Colin ********
read it on the social services Australia website. If you live overseas prior to pension eligibility , then you have to wait 2 years to get the pension. And have to be on the pension for 2 years , to receive it overseas. Unless I have misunderstood it. I will go to social services to direct and see if it can be clarified. It has changed my planning on moving to Thailand . I was planning to move next month for 2 years , go home , get the pension and live happily ever after😂😂I am 64 and was born in Australia.
Ross **********
@Damien *******
thankyou that is what I read
Damien ********
@Ross *********
if you return to Australia after living overseas just before you apply for pension you will be deemed a non citizen and won’t be able to take the aged pension OS for 2 years

That is a solid fact

I get the pension and live OS

No problem

Do some real research and talk direct to Centrelink Aged Pension section

I did and got the facts

Not these uniformed half truths and wrong comments posted here
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Damien *******
If you have 35 years residency in Australia and apply for portability at 67 y/o when you apply you will already have done your 2 years for portability as part of your 35 years of residency. It is 2 years before or after getting the AAP. That is why most long-term residence people get portability straight away.
Damien ********
@David *******
Duh 🙄

Thanks Davy

For telling me nothing

I was commenting about expats that return from OS to apply

But you must have missed that to rush and tell something I’ve known for a couple of years
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Damien *******
Well this site is for answers to general questions, there may be many others interested. There are other countries where a reciprocal agreement is available. Centrelink does not publish answers to personal issues. many are different. Thailand does not have a reciprocal agreement with Australia i.e 32 countries do where the answer will be different. from Centrelink.
David *********
It's quite simple. If you're a Thai tax resident, any Australian age pension remitted is taxable in Thailand (unless you also remain a tax resident of Australia, in which case the pension is not Thai taxable per the DTA (Art 4 and 18)). If you're assessable for tax in Thailand, the "worst case" calculation for 2024 is 620,000 (all pension remitted, no other income) less 190,000 (exempt for being older than 65), less 100,000 (deduction against the pension income), less 60,000 (personal allowance), giving a taxable income of 270,000. Using Thai marginal tax rates, the tax payable on 270,000 would be 6,000 (<1% of the amount remitted). If you're married, have Thai health insurance or other deductions, the Thai tax would be reduced further. The rules are reasonably clear, but whether or not you choose to obtain a tax ID and file is something different altogether, and whether the TRD would care about 6,000baht if you didn't file is unclear (probably not one would hope, TiT).
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
First, remember if you are Aussie under 67 y/o your tax-free threshold is about $19.000 per year if over 67 y/o it is close to $35,000 that's why the AAP on its own is never taxed, it is under the threshold. Super also is not taxed. That has been my position now for 17 years. my income is $4,000 a year AAP and $29,000 p/y in Aus$12,000 super has no tax what-so-ever all above board with the ATO.
Phil ******
@David *******
this is incorrect as you assume your still a tax resident of Australia.
Colin *********
@David ********
you seem to be very sure about your information, so I'd like to ask you something: as an Australian, if I were to move to Thailand when I retire, my understanding is that I would lose the Tax Free Threshold (currently, I think a little over$18k) meaning all my pension and maybe interest earned on superannuation, would be taxed at 32.5%. Is that correct, so you know? If that's correct, then giving up my Australian Tax Residency, Australia cannot tax my aged pension and small Superannuation, is that right? If looking at your info and if my assumption is correct, I'm way, way better off answering to the Thailand Revenue Department.

Is it possible that you can provide me a link to the DTA between the two countries, because though I've searched online, I'm not sure that I've located the official document? Not that I have the brain to understand it all 😂
David *********
The DTA links (for 1)TRD and 2)ATO are here - same document):

1) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/
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2)
**************************************************************
*******
.html

I would seek professional advice to set up your retirement plan (and backup plans). Yes, tax residency is a very important factor, as is age pension portability. The effective tax free threshold can be much higher if you qualify for LITO and/or SAPTO (search both on ATO website). Also the Thais are mooting moving from remittance to world-wide income tax basis, may never happen but a scenario your advisor could run the numbers on, in addition to residency scenarios.

This firm may be useful for you:
******************************
(I have no affiliation, just came across them in my own research)
Keith *******
Those figures don't meet the THB
*****
income every month.
Mma *******
@Keith ******
then do the 800k bank deposit-
Keith *******
@Mma ******
correct.
Brenton ******
Not everyone can make their Australian pension portable. I moved over to Aussie 20 years ago on the SCV (Special Category Visa) which is automatically issued on entry. Worked and paid taxes in NZ 28 years, then worked 20 years in Aussie. Under the social security agreement between the two countries we are entitled to age pension to which both countries contribute to.

Great until you want to make it portable. They say no because I don't have residency the minute I leave the country as the SCV isn't a full residency visa. You need to have full residency to make it portable. Okay so I can go back to NZ and get my pension from there, not means tested. But we must wait until 67 not 65 because haven't spent 5 years in NZ between 50 and 65. Then they will then pay us. Both countries contribute to it. Great until I want to make it portable. NZ say I haven't spent 5 years in NZ between 50 and 65 to qualify, so the answer is no can't make it portable. Exactly whose pension is it?? Kept my end of the bargain and paid my taxes, they'll pay it to me in Aussie/NZ so why not in Thailand, what's the difference. Guess who is the winner, the government saves not paying me, I then got to self fund because they keep my money, then the Aussie government wants to take taxes off me at 32.5% as a foreign resident on money I need to earn because they keep my pension.

Before the do gooder smart arses comment... think. Slowly our rights as citizens are being taken away day by day. And people agree with it, unbelievable! There are people who actually think if you want to go live overseas f you, why should we pay you your pension.....thats right YOUR pension.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brenton *****
It is unlikely that if you deposited Bt65,000 in a Thai bank account it would need to be 65,000 each month over 12 months before you claim to have the funds to get a retirement visa. I tried some years ago and immigration told me "Put money in a Thai bank account and when you have Bt 800,000 come back for your visa" I gave up. It was simpler to get an OA retirement in Australia at the Thai Embassy. There were no restrictions on what I do with the money in an Aus bank after granting the visa and it was good for 2 years of multi-entry. for the 1st year. I wonder is that option is still available.
Brenton ******
@David *******
I'm not talking about the Thai retirement visa though, I'm talking about making my age pension portable.

On the subject of the retirement visa, if you apply for the type O visa you do it from within Thailand and you must have 800,000 baht 2 months prior and for 3 months after in a Thai bank account, a total of 5 months. This is the one I have, I am not familiar with the type OA.
David ********
Ok peeps have to put my 2c worth. Done heaps of investigating as im close to retirement. The OZ aged pension is paid while overseas. You lose the extras benefits, so you just get the base rate. So roughly $1050pf single benefits. The fun starts when you are overseas longer than 180 days. Your payments would then be monthly instead of fortnightly. Dont forget the 35-year rule between 17-67, where you must have been an Australian resident and taxpayer to get the full amount. Any less it reduces on a sliding scale. The 2-year rule is complicated. I have been told 2 years b4 or 2 years after retiring. Even been told cannot get paid overseas again if returning after 180 days for 2 years but no one at centrelink can give me a definite. So information given to me by reputable people is to return to OZ around 160 days which will reset the time period and travel time frame is reset.
Charlimo *********
@David *******
Jesus...that sounds complicated 🥴
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *******
Some countries have AAP agreements with Australia there are about 32 of them. Different horses for different courses. Like Italy, you can go there and get their full pension, and hospital treatment etc, etc, perhaps 100,000 returning retired Italians have done that. It is a reciprocal agreement any Aussie can go.. Perhaps you might prefer Greece, Canada, or Japan there are many choices. Thailand is not one of those options.
David ********
@David *******
Yes I know. Question was. Can you live in Thailand while accessing Australian Aged Pension. Answer YES. You can go wherever you please and still get the Aged Pension.
Colin *********
@David *******
just regarding your comment starting at"Even been told..." - is that what you've been told by a person at the Centrelink International Office in Tasmania, either on the phone or in person, or was it another Centrelink office, or general phone line?
David ********
@Colin ********
First Call, Centerlink phone. call centre. Second, Centerlink Private Advisor, 3rd Centerlink Private Mediator.
Colin *********
@David *******
I've got no idea what "Private Advisor" and "Private Mediator" are... Independent of Centrelink?
David ********
@Colin ********
You can seek out these people who can advise and do everything you need to access Centerlink issues, payment etc on your behalf
Philip **********
My wife started on the pension in January she was in Australia more than 2 years prior. We were in Thailand 3 months from May. She received pension and concession first 6 weeks then just pension after that.
Luke **********
You also have to be receiving the pension for 2 years before it can be portable!!!
David *********
@Luke *********
i left the day of my aged pension started and have received the full pension the last 2 years living in Thailand
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Australian residents in Australia long-term would be granted portability when they apply. Many people live only on their super in Aus and when they get below the threshold of $900,000 top-ups or $545,000 for a full top-up and apply for the AAP. Some are in their 70s or even 80s.
Luke **********
@David *******
yes but if you leave before you get the age pension and come back for the pension you have to stay for 2 years before it’s portable
Colin *********
@Luke *********
can you direct me (link) to an Australian government website, like Services Australia or Centrelink that says that? You do have to live two years in Australia to qualify for portability (either before or after claiming) if you've been living outside Australia. The way you've worded your comment though, it applies even to people that's never previously lived overseas also.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ********
You will not find that question answered on the Centrelink website and you will have to communicate with them as to your situation, there are many different answers to that question. Whether we have a tax agreement, reciprocal agreement, other issues etc etc will influence the answer you get. If you require confirmation of the 2-year requirement. I did not have to wait as I was a longtime resident in Australia before applying for my AAP. Anyhow I was driving a school bus for some years before I went overseas on a Thai retirement visa. My 2 year wait I did not require.
David *********
well i get the aged pension plus $110,000 in the bank at 5% which is tax free and pay 11,000 baht a month 42m2 free wifi free netflix cooking big fridge 50inch Smart TV great bathroom /hot and cold spa /steam room/sauna/ great gym /pool table/table tennis/basketball court/kid's room /govt rate electric and water 400m to Cost beach 5 mins to Pattaya or Jomtien 2 pools 1 halfway up building and rooftop pool / in Australia i just stayed in Brisbane Australia for a few months $300 a week in a room at a shared house and shared bathroom ?i went back for medical reasons straight into public hospital use Medicare after being in Thailand 2 years still got all the benefits and got 6 months of medicines on concession card/then fly back to Thailand i will just pop over to Perth next trip go to Pharmacy and pick up 6 months worth again
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
David Fulcher ...David Fulcher you are all true. This site has a lot of B/S from many disgruntled Aussies who never saved a penny in their lives.

Unable to
David *********
@David *******
yes and live at the bar full time
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
Well not all the time David? Sometimes I ride Hua Hin elephants and have a picnic at the elephant park.
Greta *****
@David ********
Good for you! When are you publishing your book?
David *********
@Greta ****
soon if i can find some buyers
Greta *****
You do NOT receive your age pension if you live overseas!! How many times do I need to tell you that?? You keep posting nonsense posts with figures and numbers as you clearly have nothing better to do. How's your book "Thailand is NOT Australia" going? You have enough material to published it now...
Charlimo *********
In case someone is interested and to confirm Australia is Not a normal country 🤣. Any German citizen can apply for the German pension online anywhere in this world. You don't have to have lived here recently neither do you have to live in Germany to receive it. And you can nominate any bank account of yours in any country to receive it. Much much better!
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In Australia, we make no contribution to the Aged Pensions or the DSP. All Australians are entitled to it regardless even if they have never worked a day in their lives if they are within the assets and income test and they have prescribed residency as shown on the Centrelink website.
Greta *****
@Charlimo ********
True that! And that's why I'm running away from it and coming to Thailand 😂
Charlimo *********
@Greta ****
me too. Maybe we should meet. I am already atm 2
***
years out of Oz....in Europe atm....will be back in Thailand end of October. Looking soo forward to Loi Kratong🌎
Greta *****
@Charlimo ********
Sounds good. I'll be based in Khao Lak. You can DM me if you like
Greta *****
@Mma ******
Haha. You lost me at 'Normal country'. Let me know when Australia becomes one
Mma *******
@Greta ****
Anyway- you CAN receive your pension overseas.
Mma *******
Yes you can - your outa the loop mate. Of course you can, like any other 'normal' country.
Charlimo *********
@Mma ******
Australia is not a normal country 🤣
Keith *******
@Greta ****
you do receive an Australian pension overseas.
John *********
@Greta ****
yes you do do your homework lol
Luke **********
@Greta ****
wrong !!!! After receiving the pension for 2 years it is then portable
Greta *****
@Luke *********
So you will need to be 69 to receive it overseas?
Colin *********
@Greta ****
not necessarily at 69 years old. If one has been living outside Australia for some time, then to get the aged pension and be able to go back overseas to live and get it paid, then one would need to return to Australia just prior to the 67th birthday, apply for the pension (application can be no more than 3 months prior to 67th birthday even for those residing in Australia), then stay for 2 years. If one waits until turning 67 to return and apply, then once the pension is granted, there's a two year wait before portability is granted,so in that case, one would be 69yrs old.
Luke **********
@Greta ****
correct 👍🏻
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luke *********
No, if you lived long term in Aus at 67 y/o you will have served the 2 years to make the AAP portable. You can do that before or after you qualify. Most people living long term in Australia can get portability at 67 y/o (I stand corrected)
Luke **********
@David *******
so are you saying If I lived in Australia my whole life, i can leave at 62 , come back at 67, get my pension and leave straight away and my pension is portable ??
Charlimo *********
@Luke *********
I don't think so. To me it sounds that you have to be in Australia for 2 years prior to your pension
Luke **********
@Charlimo ********
no , if you come back to Australia you can start getting the pension but have to wait two years to make it portable
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
That is when Centrelink might be able to use their discretion, but perhaps not. Each case is considered personally. You must be in Aus anyway to apply for the AAP like 66.75 years to have it granted and do 2 years of residency in Aus before or after to be granted portability.
Andrew *******
@Greta ****
you may want to review the mygov Page re pensions overseas, it is payable and there are numerous options.
Ross **********
@Greta ****
you still get the pension, just not the extra benefits for utilities etc
Greta *****
@Ross *********
So you get the $27k per year while you live overseas like the OP wrote?
Colin *********
@Greta ****
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Ross **********
@Greta ****
yes, but you have to be on the pension for 2 years before you can get it overseas. You also have to be in Australia for 2 years prior to recieving your first pension
Greta *****
@Ross *********
So that's what I meant. The OP is posting misinformation without giving all the right and accurate information. He just enjoys throwing numbers and misinformation in the air...
Greta *****
@Andrew ********
You can only receive it up to 6 weeks per year. If you stay longer than 6 weeks outside of the country in a year you won't receive it
Greta *****
@Andrew ********
You can only receive it up to 6 weeks per year. If you stay longer than 6 weeks outside of the country in a year you won't receive it
Andrew *******
@Greta ****
not according to mygov and their people
Charlimo *********
@Andrew ******
most of centrelink people have zero idea what's going on overseas. I spent hours with international centrelink in Tweed heads to make sure I get the right Info on a DSP to go to Germany after my mum's death. They said the DSP will continue in Germany. I gave them all info, filled out many documents. Once I was in Germany, I got cut off after 4 weeks. I tried a million times to ring them, but never got through to them. Than they sent me ca. 20 pages to my Oz address to fill out. They said I should have filled these pages out BEFORE I left. No one in Centrelink ever mentioned that. It's 2 years later now and I never got my DSP back
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charlimo ********
...The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is not payable outside Australia. However, you can have up to 4 weeks' holiday and go overseas, to do so, usually, each year, going on 4 weeks leave may suggest you are well on the way to recovery., it is not a pension like the aged pension You don't need to be disabled forever if granted the DSP. Often your situation is reviewed from time to time, and you may recover from your disability and no longer be entitled to the DSP. With Australian free Medicare, you may receive treatment and recover in Australia where free medical treatment is available. Before about 2013 it was available overseas with some conditions. That has not been the case since. about 2013, there were about 800,000 people on the DSP, many living overseas. It became a rort, and the government stopped that. It was harder to get and to obtain it you had to live in Australia to get it. Thailand had thousands of Australian alcoholics on the DSP there for many years. many on DSP payments...sorry.
Andrew *******
@Charlimo ********
again do your homework, make sure you've done what is needed, read and re- read. But as so many have stated you can receive the pension overseas, meet the criteria, do the paperwork.....
Alicia *******
$27.000 per year?

I don’t think so
Mma *******
It's only about $500AUD/week. Enough for Thailand ruff for australia-
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Colin all that you say is correct but all Australians can also have Aus $545,000 of assets in super as or any asset they like if single and still get the AAP. I think it's all about as good as can be gotten. Not so good for those who never save a penny.
Colin *********
@Alicia ******
$AU27,271 is the correct amount for A Single Aged Pensioner living outside of Australia as of July 1, 2024. That would be increased slightly this month, as there has been a cost of living increase. I responded to another person's comment, including a link to The Australian Government's "Services Australia" website if you want to check it out. It also has the rates for a couple who both qualify and a couple where only one person qualifies.
Gregory *******
Next July are I'm doing this after two years in Australia what a pain like being in jail .I want home in Thailand with wife.
Colin *********
@Gregory ******
how long have you lived outside of Australia before the two years of living back in Australia to enable you to qualify for the Australian Aged Pension?
Gregory *******
@Colin ********
two and a half years
Ben ******
Go for it.
Matthew *******
@Gregory ******
then don’t take the Australian government handout and stop whinging
Charlimo *********
@Matthew ******
an old age pension is not a handout!!!!
Matthew *******
@Charlimo ********
it is a handout

It’s a government welfare payment
Brenton ******
@Matthew ******
F off....we have paid taxes for 45 years into a system that told us we will be looked after in our old age. Its not a hand out!
Matthew *******
@Brenton *****
u F off you ignorant person

It is a hand out

You have managed just fine in Thailand before now and you want to whinge that you have to fulfill government requirements to get a tax payer hand out

People like you make me sick

Cry me a river whinger
Brenton ******
@Matthew ******
every single pensioner has survived okay during their working life, why should they expect handouts to retire on they should just keep working as long as they can still work!
Charlimo *********
@Brenton *****
There are many many jobs that 60, 65 year olds can't do anymore....
Matthew *******
@Brenton *****
you clearly don’t know what you are talking about

The pension is a handout

Educate yourself
Anton ********
It's so sad, that for same job, just in different country, you can't have same options for retirement....

in 2023, the average net pension in Slovakia was approximately 576 euros per month before the increase to 637 euros in 2024. This amount would have been around 21,600 Thai Baht per month, based on the exchange rate at that time.
Koin ******
Gary **********
You only pay tax on private pensions ...your state pension was already taxed on income while working
Colin *********
@Gary *********
in Australia, there is a pension for former Australian Commonwealth Government employees. That isn't taxable due to the DTA between the two countries.

Then, there is the Australian Aged Pension, which, while living in Australia for many, isn't taxable unless one's income and assets are above a certain extent. This can be claimed after reaching the government set retirement age and is paid out of taxes collected by the Australian Federal (Commonwealth) Government each year.

There's also something called Superannuation,a savings/investment fund of the Employees choosing, which is compulsory for Employers to contribute a set percentage of what an employees income is (not out of the employees wages, but paid by employer). Employees can also choose to contribute to this themselves. I'm not sure, but this might be what is called a Private Pension in the UK, or may be similar.
Andy ************
@Gary *********
In Australia private pension funds are taxed
Robert **********
@Matthew ******
OK. First 6 weeks. Then nothing. Prove me wrong.
Mma *******
ridiculous you can make it portable of you want to live abroad. Like every other country; USA, Sweden, UK, Finland.
Colin *********
@Robert *********
check out this link, then go to change your details that are still visible on your Facebook profile... anyone that has real University qualifications wouldn't make such statements without doing some simple research first. I only just passed in High School, never mind doing higher education and I found the facts for myself!

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*****
&fbclid=IwY2xjawEpi9pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaUihZORJDFMvLpv0fu4Z2eCEyQBKE8CNX21iS2a_WgaTV1JZmgLfMs8wg_aem_mhvUjORV1Ars_8tgcXzZqg
Matthew *******
@Robert *********
you are wrong

The aged pension is payed via centrelink and it’s portable

You might want to do your homework

The extra benefits will cease after 6 weeks
Charlimo *********
@Matthew ******
not every pension in Oz is portable. It depends on your circumstances.
Luke **********
@Matthew ******
it’s portable after receiving it for 2 years
Matthew *******
@Luke *********
no that’s not exactly correct but not exactly wrong

It’s portable straight away if you have been in country for the two year qualifying period before hand
Damien ********
@Luke *********
it’s portable if you have been living in Australia for a good period before you apply for the Pension

If you have been living overseas for a long period and return to Australia at pension age and apply you have to wait 2 years before it’s portable

It’s all about if you are determined to be a citizen of Australia when u apply

I had no delays ,waiting time and took the pension OS after 3 months of receiving it
Andrew *******
@Matthew ******
absolutely correct
Detlef ***********
Alicia *******
Irincanan ******************
Some rental rooms do not accept people over 60 years of age. When you're 60, the owner will let you out. Be careful.
Joe *****
@Irincanan *****************
complete nonsense..5555 maybe they just don't want u?I am 79..been here 20 years and never heard if this or ever had a problem but I pay at least 35k a month..maybe u mean 3500 fan rooms only?
Detlef ***********
@Irincanan *****************
why is this if I may ask!?
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Detlef **********
Gosh I'm 82 y/o????
Joe *****
@David *******
nomsense..u will have no problem renting a room at any age here. Thaisnwant money money money so never a problem.
Tracy *********
I love Pattaya and Jomtien.Jomtien a little more laid back. Not so crazy. Close to Bangkok. Pattaya is more than just walking street and street Girls. Alot of really beatiful places to enjoy in and around Pattaya I.M.O.
Billy *******
There's No taxes on tax free money from your home country example federal pension are not taxed private pension funds are taxed.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Billy ******
That is often the case with having the AAP, that is because it is under the tax-free threshold for seniors ($35,000 threshold you pay no tax for anyone over 67 y/o). Some people have to pay tax if their income is over the tax-free threshold in Australia if that includes the Aged Pension..
Frank ********
@Billy ******
if you’re fortunate to have a government pension. Health insurance in the future is a major problem for expats in Thailand.
Frank ********
Neil ********
I did 4 months in Hua Hin in January 2022 and again December 2022 for another month......it was OK as I am a golfer and nightlife is quite low key....I did 6 months Pattaya last year and found Jomtien to be ideal for my age ( early sixties ), more sociable and more interesting with a much better choice of bars and restaurants......I guess down to personal preference but Pattaya/Jomtien areas certainly has much to offer.
David *********
@Neil *******
Neil Hua Hin has its Nik names for a reason , little doubt ..Pattaya is cheaper and has more to offer ..

But , I live in HH and have done for 7 years .
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
...What more girlie bars and girls???? You naughty boy.
Neil ********
@David ********
great, as I said it's personal preferences.
David *********
@Neil *******
agreed

I live here too mate , for me , I prefer .

But , it's no Pattaya ..

Depends what they want .
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil *******
Hua Hin is likely to have
***
times as many night spots now as it did 5 years ago. Both are quite lively.
Neil ********
@David *******
Pattaya has the most bars in a square mile in the whole world, but as I said it's down to personal preference.
David *********
David ..

Come on ..I live here mate , I have a holiday Condo in Bang Saray..

HH V Pattaya , are chalk and cheese mate , we have our Nik name for reason , it's one of the most expensive places in Thailand ..

But for me , I don't need bars , I'm very happy in HH , for multiple reasons .
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
... Don't just tell me, tell it to the other 120,000 tourists at any one time in Hua Hia, tell them not to be at least a bit naughty, drunk, chasing girls in the hundreds of girlie bars etc. etc, just like Pattaya.....TIT. ha. ha. harrrrr.
David *********
@David *******
I'm not " telling " anyone , anything ..

They don't already know .

5555

The OP suggested that he enjoyed nightlife and partying ..

If so here ( where I have lived for 7 years ) may not be the full time place for him ..

For me , it's fine ..

20 years ago ? No ..
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
...I'm not sure what you are saying but all, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Chang Mia and about a dozen other places I have lived in...all good.
Neil ********
@David ********
I will likely move to Pattaya and base there but go on hols to HH and Koh Samui
David *********
@Neil *******
Good idea Neil ..

See how you enjoy it over time .
Robert **********
Centreline payments are not paid outside of Australia.
Bruce ***********
Robert Bougoure stop making things up
Geoffrey **********
Robert Bougoure I lived in Thailand on Centrelink. But age pension is not enough to qualify for Thai retirement visa.
Damien ********
@Robert *********
I know plenty of expat Aussies living overseas receiving the aged pension

For years and years

No problem

Why do you comment when your SO wrong

Are you dumb or just arrogant??

Or both
Charlimo *********
@Damien *******
I don't think you know the facts atm in Oz
Marky *******
@Robert *********
mine are .. I'm a veteran and get paid DSP worldwide
Charlimo *********
@Marky ******
veterans come under a complete different whatever. A normal pensioner now in Oz does get his pension reduced after 4 to 6 weeks and some get completely cut of once they leave Australia. A DSP is completely different to an old age pension and DSP is also more
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marky ******
Yes, I believe there are different rules for returned servicemen. Even if you are not injured you can get the Australian Aged Pension at 60 y/o. Good luck.
Keith *******
@Robert *********
according to my information from Centrelinks website they are.
Tracey ********
@Robert *********
the age pension can be made portable to live in other countries. I know quite a few people that are doing it. You have to be in aus for 2 years after you apply for age pension if you haven't been living in aus 2 years prior. New Zealand has the same rules my inlaws had to return to nz for 2 years after living in aus for 10 years to receive age pension. Once the 2 years was up they shifted back to aus and keep there pension.
Von ******
@Tracey *******
correct! 👍🏾
Detlef ***********
@Robert *********
totally incorrect!!!!!! Would sujest some research before posting misleading comments?!!!!!!
Von ******
@Robert *********
Crap! Do more research 🤦🏽‍♂️
Matthew *******
@Robert *********
not correct
Charlimo *********
@Matthew ******
yes, very correct. If you want to get paid overseas, you have to jump through many obstacles and answer maaannnyyy questions....I don't know a single Australia. pensioner, who did not get his pension cut after 4 to 6 weeks or completely taken away till they return again
Us *****
Please don't do Hua Hin. It is where souls go to die. You are still have young and should enjoy your retirement. Do Jomtien please, don't let your soul die.
Marky *******
@Us ****
pattaya is a haven for obesity lol
Jeff *******
@Marky ******
Beasts of obesity.
Marc ********
@Marky ******
Yes Pattaya Big C Extra💚😅
Dave **********
@Us ****
now you tell me I have been in HH now 23 years.

Lived in Thailand 51 years ago ,for two years; and and married a Thai 50 years ago and choose HH over Pattaya and Bangkok for our home and still happy with our choice.
Us *****
@Dave *********
relax, it is a joke. But some people like you like the small town feel. It is okay to be in Hua Hin.
Dave **********
@Us ****
so happy I now have your permission to live in HH. Thank you
Paul *********
@Us ****
haha souls never die, just the body❤️
Pertti *************
Don't know huahin but here pattaya you get small condo room 5 minutes ride from action or house 15minutes that budget. Water and electricity added ofcourse.
Pam *********
@Pertti ************
Hue Hin is Great Pattaya not so great from my view
Pertti *************
@Pam ********
yeah but I'm working and living here so it's just comparison in thailand what you get🙏
Sarah ******
Don't rock the boat regarding paying taxes. The less talked about, the better! They struggle to collect tax from their own citizens let alone anyone else.
Ron **********
@Sarah *****
felang = low hanging fruit
Brian *******
@Sarah *****
the boat is already rocked - on a govt to govt level. Why would pple imagine that Thai authorities are not aware of what the situation is?
Ernesto ********
@Sarah *****
good idea. Don’t talk and maybe they forget about it 👍🏿
Frank ********
@Sarah *****
sorry but they have no choice. They will learn. They will not throw a cast net, one fish at a time.
Shayne **********
If you pay no tax in Australia.

On 620k, it will be
*****
+
*****
=
*****
less any deductions.
Peter ****************
@Michael ******
So far, the treaty between the Netherlands and Thailand, gives the oportunity, to pay tax only in Thailand and then you don't have to pay tax in the Netherlands anymore. Which is a lot more favorable. In the Netherlands you can prove that you have paid tax in Thailand by a form RO22, which you can get at a revenue office in Thailand after paying.
Peter ****************
@Michael ******
Also always look if there is a treaty to avoid double taxation. It's not clear yet, if people are taxed in their home country, how they must prove that to the Thai tax office.
Peter ****************
Peter ****************
Michael White If you mean 120k฿ a month, then it's getting serious, ha ha. See spreadsheet. (137,500฿ a year)
Michael *******
@Peter ***************
... wish I had the 137,500baht tax payment problem , haha
Peter ****************
@Michael ******
(Dan Meikle is also right. Government pension many times is taxed at the source (home country)). For now the tax is only for the money you transfer to Thailand. Already made a spreadsheet long time ago.
Dan ********
@Shayne *********
if it is a government pension it is already taxed; therfore, it will not be subject to taxes in Thailand.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan *******
The tax threshold for AAP recipients in Australia is $35,000. The super level 15% is tax on all super is deducted before companies dividends are declared. I have asked the question," Will that now be taxed if a person receiving that when in Thailand over 180 days are they taxed there, tax has been but undisclosed by the ATO?" this a big question. "The AAP is not taxed but the super is taxed before you receive it in your payments. I really don't know how much that is and neither does anyone else except the tax man or the company that declares the tax deducted. My super investment is in a fund so that it is invested on the AX200 which is invested by a large Govt auditor over small mall bits units in Australia's most respected companies, 200 companies, how much tax I have paid on super I haven't got a clue neither would Thailand. how is Thailand going to find out if I never know how much tax I have paid? It's like a company tax from where my money is invested. Most super schemes worldwide are invested in similar types of unit investments for which you pay a fee to buy units.?????
Andy ************
@Shayne *********
You forgot about the DTA which excludes pensions 😂
Mikkel *******
@Shayne *********
every taxable person also has a 60.000 baht tax allowance per year. Married? If your spouse doesn't have income, you can use those 60K too. Kids? 30K per. Plus 2K per kid for education. Plus social security etc if that applies.. Your calculations are not correct. Even if just single, you don't pay one baht until you reach 210K/year.
Peter ****************
@Mikkel ******
Yep, but also 100k฿ deductable for everybody, and if you are 65-plus, an extra deduction of 190k฿. So 65-plus and not maried, its 100k + 60k + 190k + first tranch 150k deductable. This results that the first 500k฿ = 0%.
Michael *******
@Peter ***************
.. thanks for that information Peter .

Do you know the tax rate if you spend the entire pension money here ? Say 120,000bht over the 500k , on current exchange rate
Peter ****************
@Michael ******
Umm, you mean a total of 620k฿ a year ? If so, it's only 5% of that 120k฿ more. So 6,000฿.
Michael *******
@Peter ***************
...yes thank you
Todd *********
@Shayne *********
the great news is that Thailand has no idea how to enforce this yet. Check back in a few years
Frank ********
@Todd ********
some of the conversation around this proposal is if this passes it will void the ltr tax benefit.
Todd *********
@Frank *******
simple folks always need something to chat about.
Frank ********
Frank ********
@Todd ********
and when they do, say goodbye to your condo, villa and bank account. No visa for you, too many people.
Todd *********
@Frank *******
lol. Good thinking Frank. Thailand definitely looking to eliminate tourism aren't they? 😂🤣🤣😂 welcome to the real world
Frank ********
@Todd ********
I think they are trying to get some revenue, who else but from the retires that don’t on fixed income. They are looking at the expats
Todd *********
@Frank *******
they will eventually target the offshore worker, the digital nomad and the retiree. Hitting up expats for $$ never fails to get votes. But the existing tax treaties (thailand has about 70 of them) means they mostly cannot pursue the retirees. Which is great for them. Make sure you are in position to get LTR and avoid tax altogether though
Frank ********
@Todd ********
most expats live a modest life, once the tax man hits most expats will have to leave. If not the health costs will drive them out. I am planning now for my long term stay, knowing that health care into the future will be what makes me leave.
Ernesto ********
Sounds like what Americans call section 8. Living poor and barely getting by. Below poverty. Not a way to live.
Tulip ********
Thriving / striving is up to you, if people are happy on a modest income stop telling the world you are better off. News flash. Nobody cares.
Ernesto ********
@Tulip *******
I care if I’m thriving. It’s a shame you don’t. You’re what’s wrong with society. Plunge you hole in the sand and coddle people. Go away
Tulip ********
@Ernesto *******
Probably good advice, but I will wait until someone can translate your words into meaningful English, and I quote, 'Plunge you hole in the sand and coddle people' Fascinating to see you post such incomprehensible gibberish. Are you by any chance posting from a secure facility?
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ernesto *******
OH ...on the Australian Aged Pension Aussies, can do quite well in Thailand. I know Aussie men who live with a Thai lady and a few kids all quite well and happy. Even modest drinkers and fun lovers.. Plenty of them.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Different courses with different horses, what else can I say.
Ernesto ********
@David *******
sorry. That sounds awful. I don’t want move backwards in life. Shouldn’t retire unless enough funds.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ernesto *******
...You sound like Donald Trump. Goopd luck.
Ernesto ********
@David *******
Donald Trump is great president. Maybe if Australia had proper leadership you wouldn’t have to runoff to survive
James ********
@Ernesto *******
Well said. Australia is on a down hill slide under the current government. Out of control migration , cost of living through the roof , political correctness gone mad , critical housing shortage and rampant government handouts / spending on vocal minority groups. And thats just the tip of the ice berg.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Those who want to go to Thailand can live on the Australian Pension quite well, poor people always get it, and wealthy people are not likely. In Australia most elections are held over 4 weeks, we don't have what is just short of civil war for 18 months to elect our Government. Everyone is required to attend a polling place and make a vote by law. but it is a secret so if you wish you can vote informally, if you don't vote you get fined, not a lot, and no one will know how you voted. 98% in Australia agree with this everyone's vote has the same value, and everyone gets a go. It's called democracy, real democracy!!! Yes. I would never trade my Aussie lot for the US debacle.

PS ...watching US politics is as good as watching a grand final in gridiron. Thank heavens I only have to watch both????
Colin *********
@David *******
love that response. I'm sure that Australia wouldn't allow a convicted criminal to be a politician, nevermind allow them to be the leader of a political party.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My Aus pension is $4,000 a month, Govt AAP $27,000, $12,000 private pension and some savings are quite enough. I'm actually flat-out spending that. I could sell my nice home back in Perth Aus and double that if I wanted to. As it is it's quite enough.
Ernesto ********
@David *******
I prefer thriving more than surviving. It’s a shame you have to leave your home country to achieve this.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ernesto *******
Yes, only for 3 months at a time on a visa-exempt with one extension...easy now. I also love Australia, been here for 82 years, 5th generation Aussie. I don't look down on people less fortunate than me, most of them are much better off living in Thailand than being back in Australia and are happy.
Phil ******
@David *******
yes there are irconditioned apartments in Hua hin for this amount. Pay water and electricity as well.
Marky *******
Dunno if living in a 7ktbt condo is LIVING tho
Ian *********
@Marky ******
my apartment is 9000 baht and it’s serviced and modern and has a roof top pool and gym. Idk what you’re talking about. Can find something decent for 7000 easily, especially if you have a local friend/GF to do the talking for you.
Jack ****************
@Marky ******
these are the chains that bind you.
Phil ******
@Marky ******
yes you can live in a ฿7,000 appartment.
Marky *******
@Phil *****
yes I know mate but it's not exactly nice is it..
Phil ******
@Marky ******
its wonderful. Lived twice in this appartment building now 11th floor. 4 years and 5 years respectively with one year in house.

Our own furniture mind you too.

Green space around us no flooding and very friendly people too. Office lovely people too and cleaners keep the place immaculate. We have good security guards too.

On our floor Kids play cops and robbers with me (I always die) and another kid kicks a soccer ball on weekends in our hallway. Its really nice where we live. Oh it has farangs Burmese and thais living here and occupany is full most times.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
To get a cheap place, Phil Beer he may have to climb up 11 floors as there are no lifts in the building. SSS>>>TIT.
Phil ******
@David *******
fuck me 2 lifts David
Marky *******
@Phil *****
sounds awesome buddy
Phil ******
@Marky ******
shhhh. I wouldn't stay here if it was a dump. I can walk 8 minutes to Ekamai soi 10 and your renting ฿18,000 per month.... I rented the home for ฿42,000 pm and walk past often. Say no more
Pertti *************
@Phil *****
local people here pattaya can live 800baht room monthly. So I think 7k is quite good living. Sure weekend millionaires say otherwise🤡
Phil ******
@Pertti ************
yes your not telling me anything I don't know not airconbed and more than 1 person too.

Advise
@Da***
not me.

I'm up in Bangkok in Phrakanong comfortably in a low rise area lots of tress and plants airconned for ฿4,000 a month plus utilities. Oh we run our aicon at 27 degrees too.
Don *****
@Phil *****
what’s the name of building
Phil ******
@Don ****
kasem samran mansion but has waiting list
Irincanan ******************
@Phil *****
Where or 4000
Phil ******
@Irincanan *****************
i already advised. Please read
Robert *********
What or who is centrelink? It sounds painful.
Sandro-Sam *********
@Robert ********
its the central link for corruption in Australia
Robert *********
@Sandro-Sam ********
I might claim too. What’s their whatsapp number?
Phil ******
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