Uk Debt And Living In Thailand

areeroper

I am now permanently living here in Thailand and unfortunately I am in debt to three companies in the UK, namely Paragon (loan), Barclaycard and Capital One bank (credit cards).
I am now living here on a pension and can only pay them each one pound a month which I am now doing by way of a standing order.
I have written to all companies but have heard nothing.
Can anyone advise me if I am doing the right thing or can they demand increased monthly payments which is something I cannot afford.
Any advice or information, bearing in mind that I now live in Thailand, would be most appreciated.

SunderlandBlackCat

If all of yout money is in a Thai bank they can demand whatever they want but apart from that there isn't much they can do to enforce it. That is probably why you haven't heard anything back.Your only issues would come if your bank in Thailand are owned by one of your creditors or you need to move back to the UK.

If the standing orders you spoke of are coming from a UK bank though they could probably go to court to ask for money from that.

areeroper

Thanks for that.

Standing orders do come from my UK bank but I keep only a small amount of money in there.

My pension is paid direct to my bank in Thailand which is not owned or partly owned by any of my creditors.

What I really would like to know from any of you 'experts', is, can the UK debt be sold on to a Thai company here for them to 'knock on my door' and demand payment?

I know a difficult question, but who would know the answer?

areeroper

In fact, does anyone on this forum know the answer?

GeorgeUK

Easy answer to that question - NO. It can't be sold on to a Thai company.

The UK has reciprocal agreements with Germany and Canada which means a court order for a debt can be enforced using the legal systems of these countries. Debts for people in other countries cannot be enforced so as you are in Thailand, an agency may write to you requesting payment, but that is all they are able to do - even if there is a CCJ against the debt.

You may be better looking at some of the expat boards that deal with debt, but other than receiving a few letters, there is nothing they can do to get you to pay. If you are concerned about this then it may be an idea to write informing them that you are struggling to continue payments and have been living in Thailand for x years, with no intention of returning to the UK. You may be able to offer them a settlement payment of x% (full and final settlement, not partial) but due to the current economic crisis and the impact this has had on your pension, do not forsee that you are able to make future payments. There is a letter from national debtline that i suggest you alter to suit - it states not only that the payment is in full and final settlement of the debt but also that they will not sell on the debt to a 3rd party.

Right now they have no way of enforcing the debt so you may not even need to make a settlement offer - this would just be a peace of mind thing that i would suggest if you are concerned about this. I think 10% of the amount owed is enough for this as they have no way of getting the money from you - even if they were to go through the UK courts.

Dear Sir/Madam

Re: 4563210025897412

We write with reference to the money which you are claming on the above account.

We can confirm that we are unable to offer to pay the money which we owe in full.

However, I can raise £xxx and I want to offer this an ex-gratia payment in full and final settlement of the account. This offer is made on the clear understanding that, if accepted, neither you nor any associate company will take any other action to enforce or pursue this debt in any way whatsoever and that we will be released for any liability.

We also request that, if accepted, you will make an entry on a credit reference agency file relating to the above account as "satisfied" in full.

Payment can be made within 2 weeks of receiving your written agreement of this offer and method of payment.

We look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully

areeroper

Many thanks for that George UK.
The information you supplied has been very helpful.
I intend to raise a certain amount and then write to my creditors.
Again, appreciated.