What are the challenges of using TransferWise for international transfers to Thailand regarding immigration requirements?

Jul 3, 2019
5 years ago
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In regard to using TransferWise and similar companies to transfer funds to Thailand where you need to show immigration that you are making international payments, there are two issues, some companies do not transfer the money, but have local accounts and just pay from them, therefore no international payment is made.

The companies that do transfer money can use different routing some times it is direct but other times they use the Bank of Thailand BAHTNET, this is clearing house for payments, when paid this way it will show up in your account as a local payment, however, for Bangkok bank I've seen that some people have been able to get a statement showing that the payments are international from the main Bank, I don't if it's true but it's worth looking into.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion highlights concerns with using TransferWise for sending money to Thailand, specifically regarding the display of transfers on bank statements. Some users report that, despite TransferWise billing itself as an international money transfer service, transactions may appear as domestic payments due to routing through local banking systems. Users are sharing experiences and solutions, such as arranging for banks to provide international transfer confirmations and registering for alerts. There is caution advised for those relying on these transfers for visa extensions, as there may be future implications.
James ********
As there are many different scenarios presented about Transferwise, I encourage you to monitor your transfers and consult with Transferwise and your bank if any problems.

I close commenting.
James ********
As also posted today...

By Billy Arrowsmith ...

"I’m unable to ‘comment’ on post below but I’be included image of recent TransferWise to Bangkok Bank transfer

FYI

Trouble ahead!

I'm just reading in another place many, many people using Transferwise for there incoming international transfers have seen these transfers for June and July, including those using Bangkok Bank come in as 'Domestic Transfers'. They are now 1 and 2 months short if they are relying on this method for there extensions. Transferwise cannot help and simply say they are not responsible for your visa issues.

I myself use Transferwise as the rate is probably the best your going to get BUT I really wouldn't use them if your relying on it for your extensions.

There really is going to be a major problem ahead for some."
Ramon ***********************
I use nationwide in the UK, online transfer to my K bank account, only takes a few days, never a problem, quick and easy
Ramon ***********************
@Vladimir *******
the poster is English, l replied to him
Vladimir ********
@Ramon **********************
this depend on country where you have the funds. For many expats use TW is the most suitable way as it not expensive...
Martin ***********
You can register with Bangkok bank to receive email alerts when you receive international funds. I also use Transferwise and the sending bank code can be seen FTTFRWUK
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin **********
ok understood, I think the point is what evidence the immigration office will what to see when you submit your extension in my case they told me a bank statement.
Martin ***********
@Co***
THB is only on the receipt 6 times, the sending bank code ends in UK , if it's not enough info for you, soz & all that
Martin ***********
Colin My comment is in response to the later end of YOUR post regarding obtaining statements from Bangkok bank showing payments are international from the main bank .

You didn't know if it was true, well I have kindly shown you that email receipt you would receive.
Vladimir ********
@Colin *********
the transfer code is.
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin **********
BTW there is nothing to say its a International transfer and its in THB
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin **********
Yes but that where its a International transfer, the point here is that they are not.
Ian *********
Your bank can arrange an email everytime bahtnet deposits with a copy of the credit transfer as required by immigration.
David *******
@Colin *********
they make their own up as they go along, I have experience of them on 3 occasions, including tm30 online but I digress :-)
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
Clearly you don’t have any experience with Prachinburi and your personal feelings don’t amount to bugger all, if they are deciding your visa extension you have to play by their rules. I'm not sure you understand what the rules are good luck with subbmitting emails with your extension.
Ian *********
@Colin *********
that's what Kasikhorn gave earlier this year. Only statements were the usual and this was accepted
David *******
@Colin *********
prachinburi IO are a waste of space on many accounts :-)
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ********
My local immigration office (Prachinburi) have told me they want a 12 month bank statemnt produced by the bank with rubber stamp showing 12 international payments.
Vladimir ********
Yesterday I get Interbank SMART transfer to Bangkok Bank, instead of FFT (as was 5 months in a row). TW said they aware of Immigration requirements, will do another transfer to check (and they advise to call them so they will route transfer the way to show as International). More headache...
Vladimir ********
The issue already raised to TransferWise support. If their advice work, I will post an update next week. In general, they tell to contact them after transfer created and they will route it the way it shows international. Will this work or not I can tell next week only.
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