An 87-year-old British woman regrets moving to Thailand to be closer to family, struggling to survive on a frozen UK state pension of just £300 (approximately 14,000 baht) per month.

Christine Gloria Fox, who lives near Pattaya on Thailand’s east coast, laments her decision to relocate to what she describes as an expensive area with beaches teeming with tourists year-round. Instead of enjoying her retirement, every penny of her pension goes directly to healthcare costs. Her pension has been frozen at the same rate since she moved to Thailand 24 years ago due to the UK’s policy of not uprating pensions in certain countries.

Desperate to return to the UK, Fox has been deemed unfit to fly because of her deteriorating health. With scant funds, she relies heavily on her 63-year-old son, Jon Fox, to cover her living expenses.

Jon, who moved to Thailand 35 years ago, built a small studio apartment for his mother behind his car rental business. “She’s taken too many tumbles. She can’t walk properly, falls over frequently, and has worsening vision. We’re trying to gather £5,000 to £6,000 for her eye operation.

“She’s often wanted to return to the UK, but doctors won’t grant her a fit-to-fly certificate. That’s why she’s stayed here all these years.”

Jon and his daughter cover his mother’s utility bills and food costs, doubling her pension income.

“That’s just for necessities, not luxuries like handbags.”

The Covid-19 pandemic further strained their finances, making it harder to support her.

iNews UK reports that around 500,000 British citizens outside Europe still need to receive annual state pension increases. This policy excludes retirees in Australia and Canada.

“She’s furious and deeply regrets moving to Thailand. If she had known, she would have stayed in the UK without a doubt. She’s not happy here.”

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The Department for Work and Pensions states that information about the financial implications of moving abroad is available on its website.

Two new tourism trends, staycations and sleep tourism, are gaining significant popularity, according to an online travel platform.

Staycations involve short trips to nearby areas, emphasizing the enjoyment of hotel amenities like swimming pools, cycling, and spa treatments. Sleep tourism, on the other hand, focuses on traveling to relax and recharge, prioritizing sleep and relaxation in a different setting.

Neeranuit Traijakvanich, chairperson of Makalius Thailand Limited, the provider of this online travel platform, explains that these trends are especially popular among younger travelers who prioritize health and wellness.

“This group seeks hotels with comprehensive facilities and prefers traveling during the low season for a more tranquil experience.

“Hotel operators need to adapt their services to meet these travelers’ needs, focusing on rooms, activities, and food and beverages.

The room is the cornerstone of these new travel trends. Travelers demand clean spaces with adequate lighting, proper room temperature, and high-quality bedding. Quiet and serene environments are essential, and smart IT devices that enhance sleep quality are highly sought after. Large hotels should consider distinct zones for different room types, such as family and private rooms. Mid-sized and large rooms, from 35 square meters upwards, and private pool villas are particularly popular.

Activities within the hotel are crucial for these relaxation seekers. Options like muscle relaxation massages, yoga classes, sound healing, hydrotherapy, kayaking, and boxing are highly desired. Additional experiences, such as access to a library, a movie room, and cooking classes, also enhance the overall appeal.

Related:  The new travel trend

Food and beverage services are the third critical element. Since these travelers often dine in the hotel, varied food options from single dishes to buffets are necessary. Extended room service hours cater to guests who prefer in-room dining. Unlimited water and ice availability, though seemingly minor, greatly impacts guest satisfaction and is highly appreciated, reported The Nation..

“Creating promotions that align with these service formats is vital. For instance, package deals including all meals or activities are very appealing. Makalius collaborates with hotels to offer special packages, providing more choices for staycation and sleep tourism customers.”

The recent verdict delivered by the South Bangkok Criminal Court concerning Thai lawyer and politician Chuan Leekpai’s contentious statement, where he labeled ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as a “harbinger of doom” for the Deep South, has sparked significant debate and scrutiny. This legal showdown, which hovered on the brink of defamation, concluded today with a ruling that reverberated through both sides of the dispute.

Initiated just three days before the statute of limitations lapsed, the lawsuit accused Chuan of defaming Thaksin during a speech delivered nearly a decade earlier. However, the court in its judgment, dismissed allegations of malice, asserting that Chuan’s remarks were simply the articulation of a seasoned politician’s viewpoint.

Throughout the trial, Chuan staunchly defended his right to vocalize his opinions based on his extensive political experience. He bolstered his argument with testimonies, including that of a former military commander, to underscore his contention that Thaksin’s policies had fueled violence in the Deep South.

Revelations surfaced during the proceedings regarding alleged directives from Thaksin to eliminate insurgency leaders monthly, painting a grim portrait of the events preceding the resurgence of conflict in the region.

In a subsequent address to the press following the verdict, Chuan reiterated his stance, emphasizing his commitment to monitoring the government’s response to the ongoing crisis in the Deep South. Recent attacks, he asserted, serve as a testament to the unresolved nature of the situation, as reported by The Nation.

Meanwhile, Thaksin’s legal representative, Winyatti Chartmontree, acknowledged the court’s acknowledgment of both individuals as public figures entitled to critique each other’s policies.

In parallel developments, the Corrections Department faces scrutiny for alleged double standards in handling the case of former Thai PM Thaksin. Despite being confined at the Police General Hospital for six months, the 74-year-old Thaksin enjoyed an early release, prompting accusations of preferential treatment.

Critics are directing their scrutiny at Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, who oversees the Corrections Department, holding him responsible for what they perceive as VIP treatment.