Try making a transfer and compare the prices and exchange rates.
Wise actually gives you a list of other services before you transfer, so you can see if there are cheaper options. They don't hide it if they're not the cheapest ones.
I've talked to SCB about this and they basically refuse to let you open a bank account without a work permit because "the head office said so".
I talked to their customer support yesterday, while at the bank branch and they asked me to bring every document I used to apply for my DTV and a resident certificate to see if "maybe" the bank will let me open an account.
It's easier to buy a living tiger in this country, than it is to open a bank account.