What should I consider about proving the source of my funds for a Thai visa application?

Visa Issues Immigration Wise Bank Transfers Thai Visa Process Long Stay Visa International Transfers Expat Finances Proof of Funds

Jan 9, 2025

9 days ago

Jack *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Potential problem discovered today. Some immigration offices may ask you for proof your bank deposit came from abroad. Many people use online banks like Wise. But Wise send from their Wise London bank to a partner bank in Thailand, and then on to your bank. So your deposit's code in your Thai bank is not from abroad. Immigration can therefore make this an obstacle - that needs overcoming - to get your visa. Note: not all offices or officers ask for this apparently.

UPDATE: According to others, it seems this problem has been solved by Wise giving an option to send "funds for longstay". If, like me however, you sent the funds before this option was available, the problem remains. You will most likely have to resend the funds from abroad. My local office will not accept the Wise (funds sent) statement as proof.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When transferring money to Thailand using Wise, it's essential to select the "Funds for Long Stay in Thailand" option to avoid potential immigration problems. Some immigration offices may require proof that bank deposits originated internationally, which can become an issue if the funds are routed through a partner bank in Thailand. While not all offices enforce this rule, being proactive by using the correct transfer option and ensuring proper documentation is advisable. If prior transfers were made without this option, recipients may need to resend funds directly from abroad. Overall, understanding these nuances can streamline the visa process for expats.

Robert ********

I have never used that wise option, but my bank statement always shows “international”. Don’t know what the problem is with your transfers.

6 days ago

Jack *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert *******

I didn't use that option either in 2019 when I sent the money, and on my 2-3 previous visa applications they just accepted the bank letter that I have had the 800k in my account since X date. It's obvious from my record that I haven't used an agent and that the money is mine as I sent way more than that to buy a house, so I suspect they've found an obstacle and are just angling for a payment.

6 days ago

Robert ********

@Jack ******

Could very well be.

Specially if you can show a bank letter. That letter says that the money came from outside and how long it’s in the account. If not then let the bank write it again.

Or… is it possible that you took out too much during the year so that it was below 400k or not 800k 2 months before the date?

6 days ago

Jack *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert *******

No, I haven't touched it since 2019, it's in a separate account gaining a bit of interest.

6 days ago

Robert ********

@Jack ******

Then maybe the bank’s letter doesn’t state “foreign transfer “ or they really just want tea money (which is rarer lately).

Try using google translate app with camera to understand the letter.

6 days ago

Reply to

Robert ********

Aake **********

When Wise wants the reason for the transfer to state then lonstay or similar then Wise shows that it is a bank transaction from abroad

7 days ago

Terary **********

It's a common rookie mistake.

I have deposits going back at least a year (18 months) so I know the option has been around for at least that long

7 days ago

Tony *********

Wise has had the option for long stay as long as I can remember it's not something new. That option always shows it as an international transfer. Most people already know this and use Wise for that reason.

8 days ago

Pygo ********

Because immigration officers make the rules up as they go, they like to be bribed, but be careful...

8 days ago

Mac *********

Anyone would think we’re not wanted. 🙂 It’s like going through an airport—they always pull someone aside as a warning to others, and it’s usually me. Or maybe the guy just got a roasting from his wife before leaving for work or because a 'farang' cut him off on the way in!