RE: Changing SS monthly payment from US bank to Thai Bank

[khaepmu]

I have been getting my SS payment sent directly to my US  bank for the last twelve years  (direct payment). I have been using my bother's US address for my bank address since they don't appear to allow accounts with a foreign address (I live in Thailand now) So far, no problems. Even with recent dodge stuff I have received my payments right up to May, 2025. But I am seriously thinking of going through with the cumbersome steps of having my payments made to a bank in Thailand. But with all this dodge stuff, I am a bit wary as any glitch might cause a  delay in payments and result in lots of paperwork, emails and tel. calls to make sure my payment makes it to my Thai bank account. 

 

If anyone who gets their payments made to a Thai bank and would be willing to share their experiences of what was involved in making the change it would be greatly appreciated.

Kind reagrds.

[thesetat]

Here is the form for that... which says nothing about the bank being in a foreign country. i was told a couple years ago by the SS office in philippines that i could make the direct deposit to a Thai bank. i have not done it yet for personal reasons. For me it is easier and free to get my money from the US bank to a Thai bank than it would be to send money from a Thai bank to my US bank for savings in the US. I try to put some in the US for when my kids go there in the future. 

[Equatorial]

2 hours ago, khaepmu said:

But I am seriously thinking of going through with the cumbersome steps of having my payments made to a bank in Thailand.

 

We all have our reasons... but I'll offer my thoughts. 

 

I thought about doing the same. In the end I decided against it. I prefer to keep my retirement money in the US, and only bring to Thailand as much as I need. If for no other reason, when I travel back to the US, or to Europe, I want to have my money available to me. Too many restrictions imposed on THB. It's a matter of a few clicks, and a few seconds, to transfer money from the US to Thailand when I need it. I just can't think of a good reason to tie up all of my money here... 

 

And, as you pointed out, these are uncertain times. Money is definitely safer (in terms of value and liquidity) in the US than it is here. 

 

Here is the link to the form on the SSA site: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1199-op107.pdf