October 1, 2025Oct 1 I'm going to be receiving my state pension in the not too distant, and was looking for some advice from those in the know ... According to K Bank's website, today's TT rate is 43.06, which i 'd get if my pension was paid in Sterling into a UK bank and transferred here by say Wise ... I'm lead to believe that if i get it paid direct into my Thai bank from DWP, they use an American company who transfers Thai baht straight into my account ... My question - which would work out best (ie to get the most Thai baht each month in my hand - and what exchange rate would the American lot use on today's rate for example, which between 42.62 and 43.06 .. Lastly in comparison, what would wise charge to send the money over in sterling .... tia ..
October 1, 2025Oct 1 9 minutes ago, piston broke said: I'm going to be receiving my state pension in the not too distant, and was looking for some advice from those in the know ... According to K Bank's website, today's TT rate is 43.06, which i 'd get if my pension was paid in Sterling into a UK bank and transferred here by say Wise ... I'm lead to believe that if i get it paid direct into my Thai bank from DWP, they use an American company who transfers Thai baht straight into my account ... My question - which would work out best (ie to get the most Thai baht each month in my hand - and what exchange rate would the American lot use on today's rate for example, which between 42.62 and 43.06 .. Lastly in comparison, what would wise charge to send the money over in sterling .... tia .. WISE is always better but you don't transfer Sterling. Many friends have their pension direct to WISE and then transfer to their Thai banks that day - or when the rate suits them. I have mine paid into a UK bank and then I move money into WISE. I transfer 65,000 from WISE on the 1st of each (having converted into my WISE Thai Baht account earlier if I liked the rate). You are presumably advising DWP that you will be residing in Thailand..................the advice is slightly different if you are not.
October 1, 2025Oct 1 1 minute ago, hotandsticky said: WISE is always better but you don't transfer Sterling. Many friends have their pension direct to WISE and then transfer to their Thai banks that day - or when the rate suits them. I have mine paid into a UK bank and then I move money into WISE. I transfer 65,000 from WISE on the 1st of each (having converted into my WISE Thai Baht account earlier if I liked the rate). Thanks H&S. This has given me food for thought. At present my pension is paid direct to my SCB account. I will be looking at what you have written, and maybe have it paid to my WISE sterling account. Then as you say open a WISE Baht account, and transfer when the rate is better.
October 1, 2025Oct 1 1 minute ago, AhFarangJa said: Thanks H&S. This has given me food for thought. At present my pension is paid direct to my SCB account. I will be looking at what you have written, and maybe have it paid to my WISE sterling account. Then as you say open a WISE Baht account, and transfer when the rate is better. It is certainly convenient to have Citibank do the transfer even if you receive likely less - and some people need the money to go in asap. With WISE transfers marked "Funds for long term stay in Thailand" the transfer usually completes in a few seconds......98% of mine do, the other 2% always same day between 45 mins and 5 hours. I usually build my WISE balance up and convert GBP to my WISE Thai Baht account when I like the rate.......then move my 65k from that Thai Baht account to my Kasikorn account.
October 1, 2025Oct 1 The UK Gov't say they negotiate a better rate by 'bulk buying' for those that have it sent straight to their Thai accounts, but I was watching a Youtube video yesterday where a guy asked many friends, who said they get a slightly better rate by using Wise. Also by using Wise, you have the flexibility of holding off on sending your pension if you think the rate will get better in the future. I went for the Gov't direct payment method, but am thinking of changing to having it paid into my UK bank account. That way I can send it via Wise when it suits me.
October 1, 2025Oct 1 46 minutes ago, phetphet said: The UK Gov't say they negotiate a better rate by 'bulk buying' for those that have it sent straight to their Thai accounts, but I was watching a Youtube video yesterday where a guy asked many friends, who said they get a slightly better rate by using Wise. Also by using Wise, you have the flexibility of holding off on sending your pension if you think the rate will get better in the future. I went for the Gov't direct payment method, but am thinking of changing to having it paid into my UK bank account. That way I can send it via Wise when it suits me. + The other thing to consider when being paid directly by the UK Gov't is that because all payments are made through a US company, there will be delays in receiving funds when there are US national holidays.
October 1, 2025Oct 1 Author 2 hours ago, hotandsticky said: It is certainly convenient to have Citibank do the transfer even if you receive likely less - and some people need the money to go in asap. With WISE transfers marked "Funds for long term stay in Thailand" the transfer usually completes in a few seconds......98% of mine do, the other 2% always same day between 45 mins and 5 hours. I usually build my WISE balance up and convert GBP to my WISE Thai Baht account when I like the rate.......then move my 65k from that Thai Baht account to my Kasikorn account. can the dwp pay your pension direct into a wise account, if you don't have a uk bank account ?
October 1, 2025Oct 1 2 hours ago, piston broke said: can the dwp pay your pension direct into a wise account, if you don't have a uk bank account ? Yes. WISE is a UK bank account
October 2, 2025Oct 2 Author Thanks for you comments Guys - really appreciate it ..... I'm still trying to get an idea of what exchange rate Citybank (DWP's agent for foreign money transfers) will use .... Take today, on Google the exchange rate is shown as "43.71", which i'm lead to believe is mid way between buying and selling - is that the rate i would get if i was being paid today ? (or maybe a nudge more ?) .. Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=gbp+to+thb&sca_esv=e7d00f27e8568604&source=hp&ei=ImTdaMu-IvXg2roPxv3XmAQ&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaN1yMnb6p6lXkxjyRUNhsinTSvYoGl7G&oq=gbp&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgNnYnAqAggAMgwQABiABBgTGEYYggIyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBMyBxAAGIAEGBNI_15QlhVY0kJwAXgAkAEAmAFYoAGCAqoBATO4AQHIAQD4AQGYAgSgAqQCqAIKwgIKEAAYAxjqAhiPAcICChAuGAMY6gIYjwGYAw3xBe0okm1kydMnkgcBNKAHkg-yBwEzuAeXAsIHBTItMy4xyAcc&sclient=gws-wiz
October 2, 2025Oct 2 Up until about a week ago, I would have echoed all the positive words in this thread about Wise. But no more since they are now badgering me for proofs of my (1) residential address, (2) personal identity and (3) right to live in Thailand. I was able to satisfy their requirements as regards (1) and (2) without too much difficulty, but (3) has proved the coup de grace in my case because the only form of proof which appears to be acceptable to Wise is, in practice, the Thai driving licence, and I don't have one of these. As a result, Wise will be deactivating my account with them on 24 October, meaning that I shall no longer be able hold any money on it, nor make any more Wise transfers from my British to Thai bank accounts. The following thread on the Banking forum might be worth a read in this connection: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374328-proof-of-address-for-wise/ So my strong advice to you would be to steer well clear of Wise, unless you wish to get embroiled in all the bureaucratic nonsense they're inflicting on us, which will almost certainly be to no avail in any case. They have definitely gone from hero to zero in my book in a matter of days.
October 2, 2025Oct 2 On 10/1/2025 at 5:17 PM, phetphet said: a guy asked many friends, who said they get a slightly better rate by using Wise. Wise rate is artificially higher because it doesn't take account of their fee, so the comparison may not be good
October 2, 2025Oct 2 5 hours ago, OJAS said: Up until about a week ago, I would have echoed all the positive words in this thread about Wise. But no more since they are now badgering me for proofs of my (1) residential address, (2) personal identity and (3) right to live in Thailand. I was able to satisfy their requirements as regards (1) and (2) without too much difficulty, but (3) has proved the coup de grace in my case because the only form of proof which appears to be acceptable to Wise is, in practice, the Thai driving licence, and I don't have one of these. As a result, Wise will be deactivating my account with them on 24 October, meaning that I shall no longer be able hold any money on it, nor make any more Wise transfers from my British to Thai bank accounts. The following thread on the Banking forum might be worth a read in this connection: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374328-proof-of-address-for-wise/ So my strong advice to you would be to steer well clear of Wise, unless you wish to get embroiled in all the bureaucratic nonsense they're inflicting on us, which will almost certainly be to no avail in any case. They have definitely gone from hero to zero in my book in a matter of days. The right to live in Thailand must be the visa and extension, have you tried supplying that? thai driving licence proves little
October 3, 2025Oct 3 8 hours ago, OJAS said: Up until about a week ago, I would have echoed all the positive words in this thread about Wise. But no more since they are now badgering me for proofs of my (1) residential address, (2) personal identity and (3) right to live in Thailand. I was able to satisfy their requirements as regards (1) and (2) without too much difficulty, but (3) has proved the coup de grace in my case because the only form of proof which appears to be acceptable to Wise is, in practice, the Thai driving licence, and I don't have one of these. As a result, Wise will be deactivating my account with them on 24 October, meaning that I shall no longer be able hold any money on it, nor make any more Wise transfers from my British to Thai bank accounts. The following thread on the Banking forum might be worth a read in this connection: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374328-proof-of-address-for-wise/ So my strong advice to you would be to steer well clear of Wise, unless you wish to get embroiled in all the bureaucratic nonsense they're inflicting on us, which will almost certainly be to no avail in any case. They have definitely gone from hero to zero in my book in a matter of days. @OJAS Do you have a Thai TIN? I wonder if that document would be acceptable? Or perhaps the receipt for a Thai tax return submission?
October 3, 2025Oct 3 8 hours ago, OJAS said: Up until about a week ago, I would have echoed all the positive words in this thread about Wise. But no more since they are now badgering me for proofs of my (1) residential address, (2) personal identity and (3) right to live in Thailand. I was able to satisfy their requirements as regards (1) and (2) without too much difficulty, but (3) has proved the coup de grace in my case because the only form of proof which appears to be acceptable to Wise is, in practice, the Thai driving licence, and I don't have one of these. As a result, Wise will be deactivating my account with them on 24 October, meaning that I shall no longer be able hold any money on it, nor make any more Wise transfers from my British to Thai bank accounts. The following thread on the Banking forum might be worth a read in this connection: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374328-proof-of-address-for-wise/ So my strong advice to you would be to steer well clear of Wise, unless you wish to get embroiled in all the bureaucratic nonsense they're inflicting on us, which will almost certainly be to no avail in any case. They have definitely gone from hero to zero in my book in a matter of days. Yes they banned me closed the account and can't do anything about it!
October 3, 2025Oct 3 On 10/1/2025 at 4:54 PM, hotandsticky said: WISE is always better but you don't transfer Sterling. Many friends have their pension direct to WISE and then transfer to their Thai banks that day - or when the rate suits them. I have mine paid into a UK bank and then I move money into WISE. I transfer 65,000 from WISE on the 1st of each (having converted into my WISE Thai Baht account earlier if I liked the rate). You are presumably advising DWP that you will be residing in Thailand..................the advice is slightly different if you are not. Wise is having significant issues of late with transfers being delayed if going to Bangkok Bank due to the banks new policy requiring accounts to provide verification of residence for many foreigners before transfers can be completed. I would be careful to pay attention to that issue if your just starting out and using transfers for permission to stay extensions.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 On 10/1/2025 at 5:05 PM, hotandsticky said: With WISE transfers marked "Funds for long term stay in Thailand" the transfer usually completes in a few seconds......98% of mine do, the other 2% always same day between 45 mins and 5 hours. Are you sure. Mine have been marked as Long Term for many years, and always arrive in my Thai Bkk Bank just after 14.00 the following day, as an International Transfer. Instant transfers do not.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 16 minutes ago, KannikaP said: Are you sure. Mine have been marked as Long Term for many years, and always arrive in my Thai Bkk Bank just after 14.00 the following day, as an International Transfer. Instant transfers do not. 100% sure. I suspect that you are with Bangkok Bank where the local agent seems to batch transfers around 2pm, I am with Kasikorn Bank.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said: 100% sure. I suspect that you are with Bangkok Bank where the local agent seems to batch transfers around 2pm, I am with Kasikorn Bank. Does it arrive as an International Transfer, or whatever Kasikorn codes it as. If not, it is no good if needed for Extension purposes.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 4 minutes ago, KannikaP said: Does it arrive as an International Transfer, or whatever Kasikorn codes it as. If not, it is no good if needed for Extension purposes. Yes. But that was not enough last time for Jomtien Immigration - I had to get a special form form K Bank International department.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 15 minutes ago, hotandsticky said: Yes. But that was not enough last time for Jomtien Immigration - I had to get a special form form K Bank International department. Credit Advice paper. I have to get that once, when WISE went via Kasikorn to my Bkk Bank. Took a few visits to get it, but was accepted by my IO in Phitsanulok.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 On 10/1/2025 at 9:39 PM, hotandsticky said: Yes. WISE is a UK bank account Thanks, I have a couple of questions if you can help: Does WISE allow you to print a statement out & does that statement show your address like bank statements usually do? I am wondering whether a GBP account might be opened with WISE based on a Thai home address. If possible, I might be able to use those documents to initiate a pension so I am also wondering if a tax free lump sum might be received in WISE & partly paid onto UK bank accounts. & is it possible to pay (unconverted GBP) from a WISE GBP account on to a UK bank account? Thx again
October 3, 2025Oct 3 2 hours ago, 503726 said: Thanks, I have a couple of questions if you can help: Does WISE allow you to print a statement out & does that statement show your address like bank statements usually do? I am wondering whether a GBP account might be opened with WISE based on a Thai home address. If possible, I might be able to use those documents to initiate a pension so I am also wondering if a tax free lump sum might be received in WISE & partly paid onto UK bank accounts. & is it possible to pay (unconverted GBP) from a WISE GBP account on to a UK bank account? Thx again 1. I am not aware that a statement with address, is available. I can't imagine why that might be required - certainly not for Immigration. Is there any particular reason why you would need one? Correction....after many years of dealing with WISE I have now discovered that you can create a staement to download and rthis does include the address. You can also create a Proof of Ownership giving account details. You can also print an itemised list of transactions.....I did this one year (for Immigration) and used a highlighter pen to cross reference monthly remittances with my Thai bank account........................ they weren't a bit interested.. 2. YES. Several friends only have a Thai address (I use a UK address). 3. YES. I do it often. I have friends who receive money from various sources into their WISE account and the transfer some to their Thailand bank account and some to UK beneficiaries. I would suggest that you sign up and have a play around to see what suits you - it all seems to be there and, thank you, I have now learned that I can get statements if required. 😊
October 3, 2025Oct 3 19 hours ago, OJAS said: Up until about a week ago, I would have echoed all the positive words in this thread about Wise. But no more since they are now badgering me for proofs of my (1) residential address, (2) personal identity and (3) right to live in Thailand. I was able to satisfy their requirements as regards (1) and (2) without too much difficulty, but (3) has proved the coup de grace in my case because the only form of proof which appears to be acceptable to Wise is, in practice, the Thai driving licence, and I don't have one of these. As a result, Wise will be deactivating my account with them on 24 October, meaning that I shall no longer be able hold any money on it, nor make any more Wise transfers from my British to Thai bank accounts. The following thread on the Banking forum might be worth a read in this connection: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374328-proof-of-address-for-wise/ So my strong advice to you would be to steer well clear of Wise, unless you wish to get embroiled in all the bureaucratic nonsense they're inflicting on us, which will almost certainly be to no avail in any case. They have definitely gone from hero to zero in my book in a matter of days. why don't you get a Thai licence, should be easy enough to do, esp a motorcycle one
October 3, 2025Oct 3 19 hours ago, OJAS said: Up until about a week ago, I would have echoed all the positive words in this thread about Wise. But no more since they are now badgering me for proofs of my (1) residential address, (2) personal identity and (3) right to live in Thailand. I was able to satisfy their requirements as regards (1) and (2) without too much difficulty, but (3) has proved the coup de grace in my case because the only form of proof which appears to be acceptable to Wise is, in practice, the Thai driving licence, and I don't have one of these. As a result, Wise will be deactivating my account with them on 24 October, meaning that I shall no longer be able hold any money on it, nor make any more Wise transfers from my British to Thai bank accounts. The following thread on the Banking forum might be worth a read in this connection: https://aseannow.com/topic/1374328-proof-of-address-for-wise/ So my strong advice to you would be to steer well clear of Wise, unless you wish to get embroiled in all the bureaucratic nonsense they're inflicting on us, which will almost certainly be to no avail in any case. They have definitely gone from hero to zero in my book in a matter of days. My strong advice would be to stick it out with WISE and find a way to meet their requirements. One of the main reasons being that, as an expat, finding alternative UK banking arrangements is nigh on impossible. @OJAS I don't know why you are having issue number 3 (number 1 and 2 are not issues, they are standard banking requirements). In my experience (and I have a lot with WISE, both for myself and others) WISE have always been helpful and accommodating. They are not nearly as bombastic as traditional banks - in the UK and here.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 2 hours ago, steve187 said: why don't you get a Thai licence, should be easy enough to do, esp a motorcycle one I have a Thai licence, house book, HMRC correspondence here and other stuff but the pension administrator sets out specific requirements (like the bank statement) to be checked against an electronic check of public records - hence all my questions. They administrator goes to town on initiation process it seems but I'd bet that requesting payment to a different bank won't receive the same scrutiny once the pension payment is setup.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 2 hours ago, hotandsticky said: My strong advice would be to stick it out with WISE and find a way to meet their requirements. One of the main reasons being that, as an expat, finding alternative UK banking arrangements is nigh on impossible. @OJAS I don't know why you are having issue number 3 (number 1 and 2 are not issues, they are standard banking requirements). In my experience (and I have a lot with WISE, both for myself and others) WISE have always been helpful and accommodating. They are not nearly as bombastic as traditional banks - in the UK and here. Thanks for your advice. WISE sounds worth trying, I could run my existing transfers through them and see how well they would meet the pension administrator's requirements in the meantime. A pension lump sum would be infinitely better going to WISE than sending it to a Thai bank & having to justify transfers back to the UK over 50,000 baht OR giving up the one off chance to take the tax free lump sum to avoid transfer back hassle. That is all said in the government won't remove the choice of a tax free lump sum in the next budget after dragging pension pots into scope for IHT.
October 3, 2025Oct 3 7 hours ago, 503726 said: & is it possible to pay (unconverted GBP) from a WISE GBP account on to a UK bank account? My WISE account is based on my Thailand address and I receive my UK pension directly into it. I regularly pay into my grandchildren's UK bank accounts (birthday/Christmas presents usually). No fees for this. I also pay directly from WISE into other Thai bank accounts for my health insurance, car insurance, village maintenance fees, wine orders, and others.
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