Just been applying for an Extension of Stay (based on Retirement) and hit an issue that I think could impact a lot of people.
I use the 65k per month route, and I use Wise for the transfers from UK to Thailand, and I have never had any issues previously. However, the IO told me that I had failed to make the required transfers, and so refused my application. I always transfer well above the 65k (I usually transfer between 150k and 230k per month). On closer examination, it turned out that all of the transfers prior to and including August were fine. But from Aug 31st onwards, all of my transfers were showing as domestic transfers. After consulting with my bank (SCB) and Wise, it turns out that from Sept 1st they had changed partners and had started using Kasinkorn, who receive the transfers and then remit them onto the required bank, and they do this using 'Channel Code' ENET (Domestic Transfer) whereas the previous partner had remitted them with Channel Code RIS (International). So, for anyone using Wise, I suggest you review your transfers quickly and if you find they are being marked as ENET then you have a problem.
I have flagged the issue to Wise, who initially did not want to know, and just kept directing me to take it up with Kasinkorn, I had to remind them that I have no relationship with Kasinkorn, much less an account, so I would be nothing to them. I reminded Wise that they have the relationship with Kasinkorn, who they have chosen as their partner, and they need to take it up with them as this could affect thousands (maybe tens of thousands) of Wise customers in Thailand. They are now 'looking into it', so I am assuming that the more of you that also contact Wise re this, the more likely they are to fix it.
I assume if you are a Kasinkorn customer using Wise, then it might be OK as I assume they will show such transfers as Inetrnational not Domestic, but be interested in any of you check this and let us know on here.
Meantime, I am looking at a workaround using Wise 'Transfer Receipts' and once I have tried this workaround with Immigration I will update here. One thing I have found though is that the Wise Transfer Receipts seem to change content and format frequently, which is a bit of a concern.
Anyway, thought it best to let you guys out there know about this !
Merry Bloody Xmas ...
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses recent issues faced by expats using Wise for money transfers to meet the requirements for extending their Retirement Visa in Thailand. A user experienced a refusal of their visa extension application because their transfers were incorrectly marked as domestic instead of international. This issue arose after Wise changed their banking partners, which affected the transfer categorization. The community responded with various suggestions, including obtaining credit advice from Kasikorn Bank, ensuring transfers are tagged properly, and discussing alternative solutions for wire transfers to avoid future complications.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
