The pensioners actually wanted to relax and enjoy life in Thailand when they retired, but now they are facing difficulties.
The UK’s ‘frozen’ state pension policy is causing significant difficulties for British pensioners living abroad. As the news portal “i News” reports, those who live in Thailand are particularly suffering from the decades-long policy that does not provide for an annual increase in pensions.
John Jones, a 77-year-old retiree who lives in a farming community near the northern city of Udon Thani, had lamented: “With the rising cost of living, what you got for food 13 years ago can’t even be used today get more half.”
According to i News, Jones and many others are in a similar situation as Thailand does not have a reciprocal social security agreement with the UK, resulting in pensions remaining at the same level. He says: “It’s a tough lot, but I’m getting through it. I give my wife every penny of my pension and don’t go anywhere or do anything.”
In total, according to the UK Department for Work and Pensions, around 480,000 people receive their pensions in countries where there is no increase. The majority of these retirees live in Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand.
When German pensioners move abroad, there are different regulations. According to “R V”, you receive full benefits in another EU country, even if you spend more than six months of the year there. If you move to a non-EU country, as a pensioner you will only receive the pension from the contribution periods in what is now the Federal Republic of Germany and pro rata from the non-contributory periods.
The financial situation pushes many pensioners to their limits. Jones made it clear that he was worried about the funeral costs he would leave his wife as a debt. He sees the solution as an annual increase in pensions like those received by pensioners in the UK, but the government’s willingness and attitude towards pensioners abroad is “zero at the moment”, Jones told i News.
Some time ago, a German pensioner asked about her experiences with emigrating to Spain. Pensioners who did it to her often advised her against it. The heat in the south is unhealthy and difficult to bear in old age.
Surf tip: Eating in Thailand – Thai specialties: You shouldn’t miss this street food
The federal government has to save and is taking large inventory. Ministers and departments must submit their lists to Finance Minister Christian Lindner by May 2nd. It is already clear that there is still a financial gap in budget planning. That’s why a cross-list is on the agenda.
Cleaning the windows on Sunday or a holiday seems logical to many people. If you work a lot and have little time for cleaning, you use days off to do housework. But is that actually allowed?
