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Will my UK pension be affected if I register as a tax resident in Thailand?
UK PensionThai Tax ResidencyDWP NotificationTax ComplianceDouble Taxation AgreementPension FreezeExpat TaxationUK Taxes
Feb 17, 2026
2 months ago
Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIf you are a uk citizen and become tax resident in Thailand .If you do the righ
If you are a uk citizen and become tax resident in Thailand .If you do the right thing and register with the Thai tax officials .Will the DWP get informed so your uk pension is frozen
Only answer the question please
If you are a uk citizen and become tax resident in Thailand .If you do the right thing and register with the Thai tax officials .Will the DWP get informed so your uk pension is frozen
Only answer the question please
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the implications for UK citizens, particularly concerning their pensions, when they become tax residents in Thailand. Key points include the legal obligation to inform the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about one's residency status, the possibility of the DWP being informed through international data sharing agreements, and the risks associated with failing to notify the DWP. Comments also address the complexity of tax obligations under the Double Taxation Agreement and the potential freezing of pensions if the DWP determines that the individual is no longer residing in the UK.
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Aidan ********
I think a lot of this is misleading. The Thai Gov. Revenue are only interested in 'the money you bring into Thailand' and is subject to the DTA / CRS between UK and Thailand. If that money is a Pension or part of a Pension and you have paid into it over a work lifetime it is tax free and if it's tax free in the UK it's tax free in Thailand. I'm sure Thai Revenue are not interested in UK Pension rules and regulations and more specifically are even aware of the 'Pension Freeze' on UK Pensions if you live abroad. UK are probably the only major country with this regulation. So in my opinion you should do what the Thai Gov. ask you to do: go to your local Tax Office register for a Pension Identy Number, bring your documentary evidence of your Pension Payment (letter you usually get around Mid March), copies of a few UK Bank and Thai Bank statements and if you're only receiving the basic Pension £10k pa you will not have a problem if you are over £12.5k pa you may have to provide more detailed information.
Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYou are missing the point of my OP .Would the Thai tax authorities inform the uk DWP when you register for a TIN ?
Aidan ********
Ian Carman Why would they? In my view the answer is yes and no !!! The Thai Revenue are only interested in income they can collect from from people (incl Thais) who are residing in the country for more than 180 days in any one year! So it's yes or no depending on the amount of money remitted! When I referred to 'documentary evidence' that is your 'Tax Return' !!! The purpose of this legislation is to catch 'tax evaders' who are avoiding paying Thai Tax and advise UK of potential tax evasion by British citizens!! I believe there is active communication between Thai and UK authorities via the CRS but but not necessarily betwen Thai Revenue and DWP via DTA unless there is 'just cause' for want of a better term !
IMHO !
IMHO !
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Aidan ********
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Osian ********
My understanding is UK is actively changing laws that will very soon allow them access to bank accounts so they are able to investigate benefit fraud, and as much as I disagree, keeping your pension in the triple lock system will count as benefit fraud, so 1st as last u may as well be up front
Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI will still probably spend 4 months a year in uk so will have to check the rules as should still qualify as a uk resident?
John ********
Thats my plan too.
But the laws in question that I think OP is talking about are Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025.
In layman’s terms DWP can access border force data. But I’m just a laymen and it’s just come into force.
But the laws in question that I think OP is talking about are Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025.
In layman’s terms DWP can access border force data. But I’m just a laymen and it’s just come into force.
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John ********
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Andy ********
If you are thinking of claiming you live in the UK when you really live in Thailand so you can get the pension increases. The DWP have the right to interrogate all your UK bank accounts to see where you are actually spending your money. AI is able to search thousands of accounts and make a call where you are living. If caught you will have to pay the money back and may even face fraud charges.
Peter **********
Of course they will find out eventually
So is better to fess up now
So is better to fess up now
Peter *****
How does this fit in with domicile status. If you pay UK tax on a private pension because the pension provider cannot pay it gross, can you claim the tax back if you are a tax resident in Thailand.
Due to DTA, it may be advantage to pay UK tax and pay any extra for assessable income in Thailand.
UK state pension and increases on it is a bit unique in not getting the increase if you don't live in certain countries.
As a retiree in Thailand, you are not a permanent resident and go from year to year. It is no different to a long holiday, as far as being away from the country.
If I pay UK income tax, or any tax for that matter, I would be very disappointed to lose the annual increase in state pension.
Due to DTA, it may be advantage to pay UK tax and pay any extra for assessable income in Thailand.
UK state pension and increases on it is a bit unique in not getting the increase if you don't live in certain countries.
As a retiree in Thailand, you are not a permanent resident and go from year to year. It is no different to a long holiday, as far as being away from the country.
If I pay UK income tax, or any tax for that matter, I would be very disappointed to lose the annual increase in state pension.
Harry ********
Peter Cox well we do lose the annual increase of the government pension as we no longer live in the UK
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Harry ********
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Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI would bet there are thousands of uk expats who haven’t told DWP that they live in Thailand
Mark *********
It sounds like the UK has a double taxation agreement like the United States does with Thailand. if you are paying your taxes in your home country then you are not going to be paying taxes on the same income again to Thailand. if you take a look at the Thailand tax schedules they are quite high from a Western perspective. if you need to inform Thailand that you are already paying your tax in your home country, okay. DTA means if you are already paying tax on your income, The taxes are not doubled by paying a second time to Thailand. Sometimes I read that the Thailand government tax people will give you a filing number TIN and other times I hear that they tell you to go away!
Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks but my question is about sharing information cross countries
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Ian ********
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Tim *******
AI will soon know everything you are doing.
Andy ********
Im just learning about all now. Have spoke with girlfriend and we will visit the tax people here. I dont get any benifits in the uk.
Peter **********
if you live over 180 days outside it is mandatory to inform hmrc and form p85 is the mechanism to do that
จอน ********
No need they already know with your passport
Nigel ********
Just because you have a Thai tax ID doesn’t mean you are liable for any payment.
And yes HMRC will know you are not living in the U.K. because it will be on the system that you have left and not returned.
And yes HMRC will know you are not living in the U.K. because it will be on the system that you have left and not returned.
Simon ********
If you're resident elsewhere you lose the index linking
Simon *******
Simon Barker not always depends on the country, if you live in the Philippines or an EU country you get the yearly rises.
Simon ********
Simon Adams yes but in my defence he's asking about Thailand not Madrid lol
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Simon ********
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Paul ******
If you have told the UK officials that you live in Thailand they will freeze your pension at the rate you first took It automatically. The Thai tax office won’t get in touch with the UK tax office, in fact nobody can get in touch with the UK tax office
🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣
Alan **********
Yes they will receive your shared banking data and now dwp can access your bank account and take money back off you
Abey ******
They will back dated for sure and will reduce your pension until they recover every penny, not worth taking a risk
John *****
Abey Abeywith intersest or just what you owe? Worth it if no interest
Abey ******
John Son If they think it was a deliberate misinformation they will most likely fine the person as well and might even be a criminal offence if knowingly one gives false information for financial gain.
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Abey ******
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Andy ********
Hope you don't me asking. I have a one year retirement visa. I dont get any pensions yet from uk. I basicly sold up and moved out here. So im living of my own money. Do i still need to notify tax people
John **********
@Andy *******
yes you are. If you file a uk tax return you can do it there, otherwise you need to file a P85 formAndy ********
@John *********
ok thank you.Reply to
Andy ********
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Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYou are basically in same position as I am .After 180 days you are supposed to get a Thai tax id
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Ian ********
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Ossie *********
My friend didn’t tell DWP that he was living in Thailand however after a few years they found out and they hammered him by vastly reducing his OAP + interest over several years it’s called Fraud is it really worth the risk !!!!!!
Richard ******
Ossie Cassidy fraud.they should pay you the full amount.
Ossie *********
Richard Dean it’s not fraud the UK and Thailand never made a reciprocal agreement that’s why the pension is frozen . Anyone contemplating move abroad can go onto DWP website and see which country has a reciprocal agreement on pensions !!!
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Ossie *********
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Will ************
They can claim any over payment back once they discover you are no longer resident in the UK and it’s back dated to the day you left.
Mark ******
@Will ***********
only in certain countries.Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThailand is one of the countries where the pension is frozen
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Ian ********
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Andrew ********
No. They don't talk to each other. Don't forget we have a DTA with each other. Just bear in mind your tax UK tax allowance tho'. Good luck. Cheers 😎🌞⚓
Sebastian ********
More than likely. Not worth the risk. Notify DWP of your intentions to play safe and as
I get a State Pension and a private pension on which I pay tax in UK even though I live here.
@John *********
said, you are legally obliged to do so.I get a State Pension and a private pension on which I pay tax in UK even though I live here.
John **********
You are legally obliged to inform the DWP yourself. I doubt the Thai Revenue Department will inform DWP you are in Thailand but they could inform HMRC via CRS and DWP might pick up on that. I had my Thai address registered with HMRC for some years before getting my state pension and they knew exactly where I was when I applied for the pension
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John **********
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