Some big changes ahead as to how Wise will operate in Thailand and specifically for Thai residents:

https://wise.com/help/articles/3hVTV4OmZimsLpW0Z8LB6l/upcoming-changes-to-your-wise-account-in-thailand

3 minutes ago, Nozem said:

Does the link not work?

As usual it's a PITA to open links from the forum. Worse than before. Copy/paste as text to a browser address field.

A hell lot of news and changes and it does not sound promising to me. "Add additional documents"...

Too much to read for a quick evaluation.

Like opening bank account in Thailand.

I would start to look for an alternative.

Or I am too pessimistic...

Yeah, also they will stop allowing Thai residents holding foreign currency. Everything will automatically be converted into THB.

Maybe this new system has a tax angle at some point?

24 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

As usual it's a PITA to open links from the forum. Worse than before. Copy/paste as text to a browser address field.

Just highlight the complete link, right click and click on "go to etc"

I am so "excited" what additional documents will be required.

If that proofs to be annoying I will quit.

No need for another account.

How will proof for 12 months deposit work?

Where will I get account statements accepted by immigration?

11 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Just highlight the complete link, right click and click on "go to etc"

Doesn't work on my mobile browsers (Chrome or Brave).

Have to select (mark) as text and then copy/paste.

29 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Doesn't work on my mobile browsers (Chrome or Brave).

Have to select (mark) as text and then copy/paste.

Works on my laptop using edge!

For those unable, or unwilling to, to open the link here is the news:

Upcoming Changes to your Wise Account in Thailand

At Wise, we’re always working to deliver better, more localised experiences for our customers. As part of this commitment, customers in Thailand will soon be served by Wise’s local Thailand entity which will be fully licensed and regulated by the Bank of Thailand. These changes will come into effect on or after 19 May 2026.

In line with these changes, we'll be introducing some exciting new features for our customers in Thailand. At the same time, certain restrictions and changes will apply to how Wise’s services can be used moving forward.

New features being introduced

Product Details

Wise Transfers Send THB overseas: You'll be able to send THB abroad using Wise from your local Thai bank account or from the THB balance in your Wise account. As always, you'll enjoy mid-market exchange rates (the same rates you see on Google) with no hidden fees.

Wise Account Adding money to your Wise account: You'll be able to add money to your Wise Account using a local Thai bank account. Once added, you can convert and hold that amount in over 40 currencies.

PromptPay payments Local payments via PromptPay: You'll be able transfer money from your Wise account to any PromptPay ID (mobile number or Citizen ID). You'll also be able to receive payments via PromptPay, using your e-wallet ID or PromptPay QR .

Scan-and-pay using PromptpayQR / ThaiQR Scan-and-pay using PromptPay QR codes: You'll be able to scan-and-pay both individuals and businesses using PromptPay QR / ThaiQR codes. This will make it easier for you to pay for purchases at smaller stores that don’t accept credit / debit cards.

Wise Card Order digital and physical Wise cards: You'll be able to order a physical Wise card that will be delivered to your doorstep in Thailand, as well as digital cards that can be used for online payments. With a Wise card, you can spend online, in-store and abroad without hidden fees or inflated exchange rates.

Upcoming changes and restrictions

The following restrictions and changes will come into effect on or after 19 May 2026.  

What's changing	Example of what is no longer supported	Alternative solutions
Transfers between non-Thai bank accounts: You'll no longer be able to use Wise to transfer money between two overseas bank accounts outside of Thailand.	For example, you won't be able to use Wise to transfer money from a US bank account (USD) to a Singapore bank account (SGD).	You can use Wise to transfer money from your US bank account (USD) to your Wise Account THB balance. You can then transfer money from your Wise Account THB balance to a Singapore bank account (SGD). This will involve two currency conversions: USD to THB, then THB to SGD. Currency conversion fees will apply.
Sending money overseas in non-THB currencies: You'll no longer be able to send non-THB currencies from your Wise account (e.g. USD, GBP) to an overseas bank account.	For example, you won’t be able to send USD from your Wise Account to a bank account in the US. Similarly, you won’t be able to send GBP from your Wise Account to a bank account in the UK.	You can convert the USD in your Wise Account to THB first, and then remit that THB amount to an overseas bank account in the US. This will involve two currency conversions: USD to THB, then THB to USD. Currency conversion fees will apply.
Receiving payments in non-THB currencies: If you receive payments in currencies other than THB, we'll automatically convert the amount to THB and add it to the THB balance in your Wise Account. Relevant currency conversion fees will apply. This includes non-THB payments received from other Wise users or using account details (e.g. USD account details).	For example, if you receive a 1000 USD payment from a Wise user based in the US, we'll automatically convert the 1000 USD to THB at prevailing mid-market exchange rates, and deduct any relevant currency conversion fees. The remaining THB will then be deposited into your Wise Account THB balance. Similarly, if you receive a 500 EUR payment using your EUR account details, we'll automatically convert the 500 EUR to THB at prevailing mid-market exchange rates, and deduct any relevant currency conversion fees. The remaining THB will then be deposited into your Wise Account THB balance.	You can still receive payments from overseas Wise users, or using foreign currency account details. The only difference is you'll no longer be able to hold that payment as foreign currency in your Wise account. The payment will be automatically converted to THB. Currency conversion fees will apply.
Cash withdrawals at ATMs in Thailand: You won’t be able to use your Wise card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Thailand. However, you can still use your Wise card to withdraw cash from ATMs abroad.	For example, if you order a Wise card in Thailand, you won't be able to use it to withdraw cash from ATMs located in Thailand.	Instead of withdrawing cash locally, you can use the scan-and-pay feature in your Wise app to pay individuals and businesses via PromptPay QR.

From now until May 2026, there will be no changes to your Wise account, and you can continue using it as usual.

In April, we’ll email you to request some additional verification documents, in line with the Bank of Thailand’s regulatory requirements. We’ll share clear instructions and more details regarding this at a later date.

If you're no longer residing in Thailand, please ensure that your address in Wise is updated to reflect your current country of residence. Find out more on how to update your address here.

We’re excited about what’s coming and are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for our customers in Thailand. We’ll continue to keep you updated every step of the way.

That's a mixed bag if there ever was one!

I do like the fact that Thai residents can finally order Wise cards, which are very useful when traveling abroad (especially the virtual ones that can be linked to Google Pay and Apple Pay, unlike most Thai cards).

I don't like all the rest, obviously. Having additional currency exchanges to and from THB forced upon you when sending or receiving money, in particular.

At a guess I would say it is probably related to this. https://thelegal.co.th/2026/01/19/bank-of-thailand-proposes-stricter-documentation-requirements-for-inbound-foreign-exchange-transactions/

3 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Doesn't work on my mobile browsers (Chrome or Brave).

Brave is Chrome based (as is Edge now) and it work on Brave for me.

2 hours ago, Conno said:

At a guess I would say it is probably related to this. https://thelegal.co.th/2026/01/19/bank-of-thailand-proposes-stricter-documentation-requirements-for-inbound-foreign-exchange-transactions/

Hopefully the average expat / pensioners will not be affected by that (200'000 USD).

But who knows what the commercial banks will make of it.

5 hours ago, Nozem said:

Some big changes ahead as to how Wise will operate in Thailand and specifically for Thai residents:

https://wise.com/help/articles/3hVTV4OmZimsLpW0Z8LB6l/upcoming-changes-to-your-wise-account-in-thailand

I haven’t received this msg from Wise, Is your registered address in Thailand?

I can’t see the same changes applying to my Wise account (registered in Singapore & now listed as being in the UK).

Having said that I might switch to a Thai account as I use Revolut for everything nowadays so might be handy to be able to send THB outside of Thailand.

If I am following this correctly this will have a major detrimental effect on those of us who have our pensions paid directly into a wise account as these will be automatically converted into baht using the exchange rate at that point preventing us from waiting for a more favourable rate.We might as well have our pensions paid directly to our thai bank account cutting out wise altogether.They could lose many customers over this..

The way I'm reading this is that my UK pensions (paid into my Th Wise account) will be converted to THB at whatever is the rate at that moment.

So, I won't have the choice of holding onto my GBP for a better rate.

And, if I want to send money from Wise to my UK family, I will need to convert it back to GBP first (2 sets of fees).

Sucks!

3 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

The way I'm reading this is that my UK pensions (paid into my Th Wise account) will be converted to THB at whatever is the rate at that moment.

So, I won't have the choice of holding onto my GBP for a better rate.

And, if I want to send money from Wise to my UK family, I will need to convert it back to GBP first (2 sets of fees).

Sucks!

I read it this way too sucks is a understatement.

So….I can still transfer money from my US checking account to my account at Bangkok Bank? I have never held currency with Wise nor I have ever had a “Wise Card.”

13 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

The way I'm reading this is that my UK pensions (paid into my Th Wise account) will be converted to THB at whatever is the rate at that moment.

So, I won't have the choice of holding onto my GBP for a better rate.

And, if I want to send money from Wise to my UK family, I will need to convert it back to GBP first (2 sets of fees).

Sucks!

Seems only to apply to Thai residents. As a UK resident you still can hold GBP in your Wise account and convert it to THB when you want to send it to Thai bank account.

Thai citizens will have their foreign currency held in a Wise account automatically exchanged to THB

15 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Seems only to apply to Thai residents. As a UK resident you still can hold GBP in your Wise account and convert it to THB when you want to send it to Thai bank account.

Thai citizens will have their foreign currency held in a Wise account automatically exchanged to THB

I am a Thai resident. I opened my Wise account after living here for several years without a UK address.

Wise will no longer be of any benefit to me. I may as well get my pensions paid directly to my Thai bank.

25 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I am a Thai resident. I opened my Wise account after living here for several years without a UK address.

Wise will no longer be of any benefit to me. I may as well get my pensions paid directly to my Thai bank.

Do you have a residence permit, or do you reside here permanently on a non-resident visa?

8 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Do you have a residence permit, or do you reside here permanently on a non-resident visa?

Retirement extensions for 22 years.

Just now, chickenslegs said:

Retirement extensions for 22 years.

So you are not a resident, and I assume the money you transfer to your Wise account originates from a UK or other western countries bank account.

So my take is that it will not affect you since you don't have the Thai nationality.

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

So you are not a resident, and I assume the money you transfer to your Wise account originates from a UK or other western countries bank account.

So my take is that it will not affect you since you don't have the Thai nationality.

I don't see anything in the new conditions that refers to Thai nationals, just Thai accounts - which mine is. All my income is from UK pensions paid directly into Wise.

I reside in Thailand and do not have any other residence - different to permanent residence

3 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I don't see anything in the new conditions that refers to Thai nationals, just Thai accounts - which mine is. All my income is from UK pensions paid directly into Wise.

I reside in Thailand and do not have any other residence - different to permanent residence

Then I suggest this.

I reside in Thailand on the same terms as you for more than 30 years.

I opened my Wise account while I already lived in Thailand, but my address for my Wise account is with my sister in my home country.

I use Thai phone number for verification, and Wise has pictures of my passport clearly showing issued in Bangkok.'

Last year I had to identify myself again for Wise, and I sent them all the same details. They also must notice that for years already I log in to the app and website from a Thai IP address, yet they accept my identification as not residing in Thailand.

11 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Then I suggest this.

I reside in Thailand on the same terms as you for more than 30 years.

I opened my Wise account while I already lived in Thailand, but my address for my Wise account is with my sister in my home country.

I use Thai phone number for verification, and Wise has pictures of my passport clearly showing issued in Bangkok.'

Last year I had to identify myself again for Wise, and I sent them all the same details. They also must notice that for years already I log in to the app and website from a Thai IP address, yet they accept my identification as not residing in Thailand.

Too late for me to do this. I don't have anything to prove I've changed my residence back to the UK. I asked Wise about this a few years ago and was warned that they could close my account if suspected of fraud.

Anyway, I just finished a chat with Wise and got this reply, which seems to go against the above changes, but might be good news.

Based on current information, any GBP you receive in your Wise account after May 19th, 2026 is expected to remain as GBP until you decide to convert it. Wise is not planning to automatically convert incoming GBP to THB at this time. If there are any changes to this, you would be notified directly. You should have control over when to convert your GBP balance to another currency.

1 minute ago, chickenslegs said:

Too late for me to do this. I don't have anything to prove I've changed my residence back to the UK. I asked Wise about this a few years ago and was warned that they could close my account if suspected of fraud.

You can change address any time. I was never asked for proof of address, neither when I opened the account or when I had to identify myself again last year.

It is possible, but I don't recall it, that when opening the account they sent a verification code to my sisters phone number. If you still have any relatives in the UK that should be easy.
Anyway, I never put money in a Wise account, always send money from my home country account to my Thai account,so it wouldn't bother me if they consider me a Thai resident, and I also can wait out for the exchange rate to be favourable before I transfer.

Do you still have a bank account in the UK?

2 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Too late for me to do this. I don't have anything to prove I've changed my residence back to the UK. I asked Wise about this a few years ago and was warned that they could close my account if suspected of fraud.

Anyway, I just finished a chat with Wise and got this reply, which seems to go against the above changes, but might be good news.

Based on current information, any GBP you receive in your Wise account after May 19th, 2026 is expected to remain as GBP until you decide to convert it. Wise is not planning to automatically convert incoming GBP to THB at this time. If there are any changes to this, you would be notified directly. You should have control over when to convert your GBP balance to another currency.

Funnily enough I also contacted Wise and the first person I chatted too knew nothing about any changes but redirected me to someone else who confirmed the changes.

7 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Anyway, I just finished a chat with Wise and got this reply, which seems to go against the above changes, but might be good news.

Based on current information, any GBP you receive in your Wise account after May 19th, 2026 is expected to remain as GBP until you decide to convert it. Wise is not planning to automatically convert incoming GBP to THB at this time. If there are any changes to this, you would be notified directly. You should have control over when to convert your GBP balance to another currency.

That confirms what I actually have been posting all the time. It only affects Wise customers with Thai nationality

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

You can change address any time. I was never asked for proof of address, neither when I opened the account or when I had to identify myself again last year.

It is possible, but I don't recall it, that when opening the account they sent a verification code to my sisters phone number. If you still have any relatives in the UK that should be easy.
Anyway, I never put money in a Wise account, always send money from my home country account to my Thai account,so it wouldn't bother me if they consider me a Thai resident, and I also can wait out for the exchange rate to be favourable before I transfer.

Do you still have a bank account in the UK?

My UK bank accounts were closed by Barclays a few years ago.