@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!

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.

@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!

@Alastair ******

how do you know the circumstances other than his missus washed it? You even assume they are married.

Thanks for letting us know what you're up to

What these tax experts fail to grasp is the tax laws haven't changed they were only amended. Foreigners who reside in Thailand over 180 days a year have always been required to to file tax returns, this is not a new thing.

Retirees have been living in Thailand for many years and bringing their pensions into Thailand and not filing tax returns. Do any of you tax experts know of retirees being chased by the Thai tax department for not filing a tax return? No me neither.

@Rob ********

it actually does mean you won't get taxed twice

Money earned prior to 2024 is exempt from tax. That means you are free to bring it into Thailand and you don't need to declare it on any tax returns. You should be able to prove it by bank statements if the tax department comes asking though.

@Erik ******

there was no new law passed, they just amended the current one.

@Bart *************

He's coming from the angle that other foreigners will have been through this before with their Thai GFs and are seeking their experiences. I wouldn't be too concerned about it.