The VBNGB also helps Dutch pensioners in Thailand
The recent discussion about the new procedure for applying for a legalized income statement at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok shows how important it is to organize yourself as a group in order to exert influence. In that context, we would like to refer our readers to the website of the Association of Interests for Dutch Pensioners Abroad (VBNGB).
Recently, Thailand also has a place on the website and the VBNGB will also represent the interests of Dutch pensioners in Thailand, see here: vbngb.eu/buiten-de-eu/thailand-portal/ This is also how the 'open letter' about Maarten Vasbinder published the 'renewed application procedure for a legalized income statement'. Maarten will act as contact person for the time being
The Association aims to:
- representing the interests of those who live outside the Netherlands in countries of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland and receive a Dutch pension,
- supporting the members of the Association and similar associations and partnerships to achieve this objective,
- taking legal action through the courts if necessary.
It tries to achieve this goal, among other things, by obtaining information about and insight into the national and international law regulations for pensioners, consulting with interest groups for pensioners and supervisors and by providing information to the members.
The Association has no profit motive and may not make any distributions to a founder or to a director. The directors receive no remuneration for their work. Costs incurred by directors in the performance of their duties are reimbursed by the association.
On the website you will find all information that directly affects your interests as a pensioner and that the Association makes available to you.
However, it is important that you become a member of the Association so that it can better represent your interests. See here: vbngb.eu/join-being/
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It is great to read that there are also Dutch people who do have a heart for Dutch people who live outside the EU and do not label them as apostates, but assist them in times of need. Tribute, tribute.
I think I'll sign up but that's not possible because I don't have an address in the Netherlands or one of the EU countries????!!!!!.
So only for those Dutch people who have not been deregistered??
No Wim, the website states: Dutch pensioners with an address in one of the EU-EEA countries or Switzerland can become a member of the VBNGB.
It is very well intended, but then the statutory objective will have to be expanded. .
Stay/become a member
VBNGB Membership
Dutch pensioners with an address in one of the EU-EEA countries or Switzerland can become a member of the VBNGB
Well, that's coming along nicely.
Take a look at the history of the association. When the new healthcare law was introduced in 2006, with the country of residence factor as an important point, pensioners in Spain united against the plans of Minister Hoogervorst. The central point in this was the (contradiction with) EU regulations. This has led to various proceedings up to the Council of State. Organizing pensioners in Spain has led to the creation of a foundation. Mind you, the pensioners in Spain have put together money through that foundation to hire a lawyer and to be able to conduct proceedings. Pensioners in France have taken similar actions. The situation in these countries, which are part of the EU, is completely different in legal terms from that in Thailand. The situation of pensioners in the EU cannot therefore be compared one-to-one with that in Thailand.
Of course there are also points of contact in the problems between pensioners in Thailand and countries within the EU. Information exchange could help the Dutch in Thailand to take a stand against Dutch policy. But then the Dutch in Thailand will have to organize themselves in this. Complaining alone, as we learned in Spain, leads to nothing.
Finally, I note that in Spain we have Dutch weekly newspapers (including Hallo! and De Week) that offer the opportunity to exchange information and allow readers to tell their story. I think a periodical in Thailand can also play a role.
Anyone can register, and there is also a Thailand country dossier.
I assume that the objective will be expanded in time, but agree with the original poster that it would make sense if expats unite, this could be one way.