Pensions & Overseas Income
Making the most of UK pensions and overseas income from Thailand: receiving your State Pension and private pensions, transfer options, drawdown and other income, currency risk, and the questions to ask before changing anything.
explained
in baht
in Thailand
Guides in this section
View all Retirement & Pension Planning guides →
Receiving a UK Pension While Living in Thailand
State and private pensions paid to Thailand — what to know.
Read the guide →
International Pension Transfer Considerations
SIPPs, QROPS and the 25% charge explained.
Read the guide →
Currency Risk on Overseas Pension Income
Protecting a pound income you spend in baht.
Read the guide →
Pension Drawdown vs Other Retirement Income
Drawdown, annuities, bonds and savings compared.
Read the guide →
Questions to Ask Before Changing Pension Arrangements
The checks that protect your pension.
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Where to Get Help With Your UK Pensions
Where British expats in Thailand turn for help with State and private pensions, transfers and drawdown — and what to watch for with each.
Read the UK Pension Guide →| Option | Type | Cost to you | Best for | Watch for | Read Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFree review with Lawrence (JLIT) | Expat specialist in Thailand | Free first review | All your pensions reviewed together | Ask how any ongoing advice is paid for | Read → |
| SFinal-salary transfer specialist | Specialist pension adviser | Fees vary | Defined benefit pensions only | Most final-salary pensions are best kept | Read → |
| ULeaving pensions untouched | Doing nothing | Hidden — unreviewed funds and charges | Pensions already well invested | UK providers may restrict expats | Read → |
| !Unsolicited "pension release" offers | Cold calls and social media | Often tax charges and losses | Nobody | Early access promises and pressure | Read → |
General guidance compiled October 2026. Pension rules in the UK and tax rules in Thailand change; always take advice before changing pension arrangements.
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Getting the most from your pensions
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs →Can I receive my UK State Pension in Thailand?
Yes. It can be paid into a Thai or UK bank account, but it is frozen in Thailand — it won't rise each year as it would in the UK.
Should I transfer my UK pension overseas?
For most people living in Thailand, a transfer to an overseas pension scheme (QROPS) now carries a 25% charge, so a UK SIPP designed for expats is often a better option. Take advice first.
What is pension drawdown?
Taking money from your pension as and when you need it, while the rest stays invested — instead of buying an annuity.
Does Thailand tax my UK pension?
If you're Thai tax resident, pension income brought into Thailand can be taxable. UK government service pensions are generally taxed only in the UK under the tax treaty.
How do I protect pension income from currency swings?
Keep a year or two of spending in baht, convert regularly at a good rate, and plan larger transfers with a specialist.
Can someone review my pensions for free?
Yes. Use the enquiry form on this page. Lawrence, a British expat in Thailand with more than 30 years in international finance, will come back to you by email, WhatsApp or LINE.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Fees, limits and eligibility change; we check every figure on the date shown, but always confirm the current terms with the provider before you apply or travel. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means JLIT may earn a commission if you open an account — this never changes the price you pay.
