The value of the pension decreases for another 10 years
The civil servants' pension fund ABP and the pension fund Zorg en Welzijn say that they will not be able to index their pensions for the next ten years. This means that pensions will not grow in line with inflation, as a result of which the pension for pensioners will be worth less and that working people will accrue less pension.
Older Dutch citizens in Thailand and other countries can in some situations be exempted from the obligation to appear when applying for a passport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in response to questions.
Questions about visas regularly pop up on Thailandblog. Ronny Mergits lists all the questions and provides the answers, with the caveat that immigration offices do not all apply the same rules.
Thailand Elite Membership
Recently Gringo's attention was drawn to an announcement on Thaivisa, which pointed to the possibility of obtaining a visa for Thailand, which is valid for five years.
Will the elderly be hit in 2015?
The newspapers have been full of it in recent weeks: 'The elderly will be hit hard in 2015.' Scare mongering or truth?
Taxes: Optional scheme for emigrants lapses
As of next year, the option scheme for emigrants with a Dutch income will lapse. Erik Kuijpers explains.
Submitted: Partner allowance AOW, remember January 1th!
The Netherlands is rapidly phasing out social services. This can have far-reaching consequences for pensioners in Thailand. For example, as of January 1, far-reaching changes to the AOW partner allowance are in the pipeline.
Immigration Pattaya: 90 days procedure improved
It was time again for the 3-monthly (OK, 90 days!) trip to Immigration in Jomtien to report that I would like to extend my stay again. I have been doing this for years and the procedure has not changed significantly in that time.
According to website Thaivisa.com, the Thai immigration service will crack down on foreigners with an overstay of more than 90 days.
Dutch child benefit to Thailand ends on 1 January 2015
A number of expats and pensioners with children will have to tighten their belts next year. From 1 January 2015, the SVB will no longer transfer child benefit to Thailand.
CDA, VVD and PVV worst parties for emigrants
This year, around 22.000 expats have registered or pre-registered for the European Parliament elections. They help determine which politicians will represent our country in Europe over the next five years.
Few Dutch people abroad have regrets
Gringo has contributed to a study by Tilburg University, where a project group is conducting a long-term study of the homesickness and regret of Dutch people abroad.
One day in the year
My annual visa was about to expire and coincidentally coincided with Songkran. So today, a week earlier, action. Or actually last night. I download the TM7 form and fill it out. I make copies of the main page (the page with my head) of my passport, of my entry card and of my visa.
Pensioners in Thailand: 'Less pension in the coming years'
Dark clouds are approaching for pensioners in the Netherlands and Thailand. The purchasing power of the elderly will be significantly affected in the coming years, writes De Telegraaf.
Experiences with a 'Visa Run' from Bangkok
There are several companies in Thailand that offer the so-called Visa Runs. Google “thai visa run” and the city where you want to leave, for example Bangkok or Pattaya. You can then book a trip to the nearest border post.
Expats risk unforeseen state pension gap
Vertrek.nl, a magazine for living, working and living abroad, featured an article this week about the consequences of the new state pension age, which has been gradually increased since 1 January 2013. This increase has unforeseen negative consequences for Dutch nationals abroad.
Sixteen questions and answers about visas (follow-up 1)
On October 13, Ronny Mergits answered sixteen questions about visas in the posting Sixteen questions and answers about visas and everything related to it. Some readers had additional questions. In this follow-up, the questions and a response from Ronny.