Thailand-
The following is a sponsored opinion advertorial by Anglo Siam Legal.
The UK government is tightening its grip on British expats living overseas, particularly those suspected of pension fraud. A new bill, slated to become law in early 2025, will grant authorities greater access to the financial records of UK citizens, both domestic and abroad.
This increased scrutiny comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) seeks to clamp down on retirees who have been misrepresenting their residency status to receive higher pension payments.
Many British pensioners have chosen to retire to countries like Thailand, where the state pension does not increase with inflation. By falsely claiming to reside in countries with higher pension rates, these individuals have been able to receive larger payments than they are legally entitled to.
One common tactic employed by fraudulent pensioners is to maintain a UK address for DWP correspondence while residing overseas. In one notable case, a British expat living in Pattaya was exposed when a neighbour returned a DWP letter addressed to him. Another individual was discovered to be enjoying a leisurely lifestyle in Bangkok, rather than working in Baghdad as he had claimed.
The new legislation is expected to aid in identifying such fraudulent activity.
However, some argue that the real issue lies with the complexity of international pension rules and the DWP’s administrative shortcomings. Campaign groups representing British expats in Thailand have criticized the government’s lack of action to address the underlying problems, such as the unreliable international mail system that often leads to delayed or lost pension payments.
As the UK government continues to tighten its oversight of overseas pensioners, it remains to be seen whether these measures will effectively combat fraud while also ensuring that legitimate retirees receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Consider reaching out to Anglo Siam Legal for assistance with any problems you may have had or questions regarding legal matters, including around pension related matters. They have experienced Thai and UK lawyers.
Contact Anglo Siam Legal
Call Them: 0610184790
