Getting Money Out Of Thailand

[Gulliver]

I have recently sold a property/lease in Thailand. I am in Uk at present and for personal reasons I am unable to return there for some months. Funds re: the sale have gone into the account of my Thai solicitor at present, but I do not know the best advice to give him for transfer back to my bank here. I understand there is some rule about only 20,000 dollars being allowed out at one time. I have around £70,000 that I need to get back as quickly as possible. Any ideas, please? Thank you.

[AFKAFSinLOS]

Lots of ideas and images... unfortunately most of them centre around the idea that you may well have got yourself in a bit of a mess... Is he the same person that advised you on the tax and other implications before the deal...

Honestly if your solicitor is half decent, he should already know the answers... . If it's all legit, he should have valid paperwork to simply attach and do an interbank transfer to your account, stating the reason for the transfer and source of funds on the transfer form. The fact that it is over USD20k just means it's something that needs to be approved and/or declared, not that you can't do it...

[JOHN2]

I have recently sold a property/lease in Thailand. I am in Uk at present and for personal reasons I am unable to return there for some months. Funds re: the sale have gone into the account of my Thai solicitor at present, but I do not know the best advice to give him for transfer back to my bank here. I understand there is some rule about only 20,000 dollars being allowed out at one time. I have around £70,000 that I need to get back as quickly as possible. Any ideas, please? Thank you.

Did you bring the money into Thailand from o/s's in the first place to buy the property? If so you will have a doc(can't remember what it's called) as prove,this basically means you can transfer the equivalent back outside Thailand without any problems or taxes.If you did not bring the money or do not have the document if you did then you are going to have problems i'm afraid,you will at least have to pay taxes from the sale of the property. As regards to the maximum being transfered out i thought it was only around 1k dollars?? If it is 20k then you can at least do it in 7 seperate hits,but as i say expect some problems mate,but you never know you may get lucky but i doubt it.

[Gulliver]

Thanks for picking this up and replying. Yes, I did originally bring the money into a Thai Bank account - Siam. I have made no profit at all - made a loss even - and therefore there should be no taxes (from how I understand it). It really is critical for me to get this money back asap. He has suggested using some kind of brokerage based in Hongkong - who would charge 2.5%. I am 90% confident my solicitor is legit - but of course .... who knows the reality? Expats over there say one can only transfer £10,000 a day - I am asking him to get it all in one go if possible.

[JOHN2]

Thanks for picking this up and replying. Yes, I did originally bring the money into a Thai Bank account - Siam. I have made no profit at all - made a loss even - and therefore there should be no taxes (from how I understand it). It really is critical for me to get this money back asap. He has suggested using some kind of brokerage based in Hongkong - who would charge 2.5%. I am 90% confident my solicitor is legit - but of course .... who knows the reality? Expats over there say one can only transfer £10,000 a day - I am asking him to get it all in one go if possible.

When you brought the money in you have to state on the remittance that it is for property purchase this is VERY important and the bank would give you a doc for you to keep,as i say i can't remember the name.On presenting this doc this you can then send back the same amount out of the country legally with no taxes.

Regarding the min to send out per day, i thought it was a lot less than 20k, but maybe somebody else will know that?

[roygsd]

Thanks for picking this up and replying. Yes, I did originally bring the money into a Thai Bank account - Siam. I have made no profit at all - made a loss even - and therefore there should be no taxes (from how I understand it). It really is critical for me to get this money back asap. He has suggested using some kind of brokerage based in Hongkong - who would charge 2.5%. I am 90% confident my solicitor is legit - but of course .... who knows the reality? Expats over there say one can only transfer £10,000 a day - I am asking him to get it all in one go if possible.

I would have the Solicitor transfer it to your bank in LOS and go draw the cash out personally and bring it home yourself

but that's not for everyone I know.

Couldnt sleep with my money in a thai Lawyers hands

Roy Gsd

[Gulliver]

Cheers again, John2. I think what I would like to try and do is to find a broker myself - at this end - who has a branch in BKK, perhaps, so that I can organise it myself. My lawyer does not seem to have an understanding of the word 'urgent'! At best his emails contain around 10 words of explanation of anything, and that usually takes him 3 or 4 days to achieve. That said, I still feel pretty sure that he is above board (note the anxiety in my voice there!)

[maxjay]

If all else fails...

A few years back a friend of mine sold his condo. He had difficulty getting all the money out at once and he was heading back to the States for a few months.

His solution was to use his Thai ATM card daily in the U.S., and draw out daily the maximum amount per day.

Make sure your Thai ATM is accepted in the U.K.

I understand it's not the ideal solution, but...?

[Gulliver]

Thanks all - hadn't thought of ATM card -Maxjay - but don't have it here anyway. I left it with a friend there to access funds to pay running costs of house whilst being sold. It has taken 7 months to find a buyer, and was really pleased when one arrived at last. Just didn't expect this hassle, espcially as lawyer originally told me that he coudl get money out "Mai bpenrai"! We now seem to have lots of 'bpenrai'.

But thanks again, all - I shall update if and when I find a solution.

[roygsd]

lawyer originally told me that he coudl get money out "Mai bpenrai"!

But thanks again, all - I shall update if and when I find a solution.

I refer you to my earlier fears about thai lawyers in my previous posting, ( and lawyers in general really).

I am sure if you were to put him on the spot he would explain it was your error not his.

You think I say mai bpenra?

Now I understand your mistake yo no hear correct I said " my pen write very slowy".

Roy gsd

[AFKAFSinLOS]

If you're lucky it could be just that the guy is clueless, but I'd seriously wonder...

Rules are simple: You can transfer more than USD20k in one go, but you/he/whoever's transferring need to make a declaration and complete a Foreign Exchange Funds Transfer Form, and provide supporting docs if sending more than 20k. Easiest method is SWIFT to your UK bank account with your name and sort code.

Many Thais seem to have an aversion to simply going into a bank (or anywhere else for that matter) and simply asking how to do something when they don't know or don't understand something. Any of Siam Commercial, Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers should be able to help and explain to him.

Alternatively several amounts below USD 20k can be done in any combination of things like SWIFT, Western Union (high charges), international cashiers cheques... with less hassle

[Gulliver]

Thanks Afkak - yes, I thought that too. The problem I have is getting any info, firstly into him and making him understand - then secondly 'out' of him!

I can see the only way around this is to have to waste time and money getting out there - as well as cancelling an op that I have been waiting 9 months for!

I have a Siam Commercial account, and attempted to leave instructions, information with them before returning home. They said I had to be there in person, which is why I 'trusted' the lawyer to do it. 'Live and learn' comes to mind!

[JOHN2]

If you're lucky it could be just that the guy is clueless, but I'd seriously wonder...

Rules are simple: You can transfer more than USD20k in one go, but you/he/whoever's transferring need to make a declaration and complete a Foreign Exchange Funds Transfer Form, and provide supporting docs if sending more than 20k. Easiest method is SWIFT to your UK bank account with your name and sort code.

Many Thais seem to have an aversion to simply going into a bank (or anywhere else for that matter) and simply asking how to do something when they don't know or don't understand something. Any of Siam Commercial, Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers should be able to help and explain to him.

Alternatively several amounts below USD 20k can be done in any combination of things like SWIFT, Western Union (high charges), international cashiers cheques... with less hassle

let me get this right,so i can go into my thai bank here and transfer 600k baht from my savings account to another country with no special docs needed or no questions asked??

I thought it was a lot less than that but happy if true.

[Firefan]

Find your TT3 (Tor Tor 3) now known as "Certificate of foreign transaction" (COFT) from when you wired the money in. This doc together with tax payment papers/receipts (happened when you bought and sold) are enough to allow you the transfer out under normal circumstances.

That said; since foreigners can not own land (u can only own the house on it) it might complicate things a bit since you mention a house.

That said; as long as you have above paper trail the bank should not have an issue with your transfer as obviously came in legally and leaving legally.

On another note; so all the house money ($140k) is with a Thai lawyer, and your ATM card (with pin) with a friend..... hmm.... am sure you have had your reasons but better get things in place FAST.

CHeers!

[happylarry]

Hey Gulliver if its of any use to you my son who lives in Bangkok is flying back to the UK on 15th August if you wanted him to carry your atm card back to you. Before everyone else starts saying how can you trust a stranger, I will say it myself....lol

But anyway it is another option for you if you want.

PM me if needed.

HL

[tangoll]

There was a similar question in another post in the Real estate section, and the answer to the question of how to legally export funds after a sale of a condo, was, in the case of Bangkok Bank, the following documents must be supplied:

1. Funds transfer application form accompanied by passport copy and bank account book or other account document

2. Copies of Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate showing the import of the funds for purchase of condo

3. Copy of condo's chanote, title deed, both front and back sides

4. Copy of the transaction document showing the transfer of ownership. This is the document that accompanies the chanote and is issued by the Land Dept office.

5. Original of the blue tax/fees payment form obtained from the Land Dept office when the tax was computed and paid.

I do not know what the requirements from other banks may be, or if there are different requirements for land or house property. The total amount that can be exported can be as great as the transaction value as declared to the Land Dept office and on which the tax/fees were computed.

[Gulliver]

Another thanks to all. I confess, I know I have been far too trusting with what has happened so far. I tend to see the good in people first!

As to friend with ATM card - no problem there. I left about 12,000 baht in the account in order to allow withdrawal to pay ongoing house expenses in my absence. In fact at present time, those funds ran out and I now owe her. Card is somewhat redundant. Thanks for offer to bring it back. However, I need some of the house funds paid into that account to reimburse friend as well as pay for a couple of other things.

The issue has been the house sale itself. I now realise that when I bought it, I did so by sending funds in installments to the developer. I have emails of his receipt of those funds, along with UK bank records to show where money went. Copies of those are with my lawyer in Thailand. Thus I never got any bank record as poster above has suggested I should have had.

However, further problems have arisen because the buyer (from UK) didn't want to just buy what I had - a 30+30 lease (as others had done when buying/selling on same development.) He has had everyone there turning everything upside down, contracts changed, new contracts prepared etc. including, I now learn, manipulating somewhat my lawyer. Because everyone who has been involved in this sale/purchase is fernag, lawyer has (incorrectly and inappropriately) trusted that I am fully in the picture and fully in agreement, when in fact I have known very little of what has been going on.

I didn't mind that the buyer wanted to change things - he needed to feel happy, and I wanted to finally sell - so went along with it all, albeit did not learn of all that was happening until it was too late to do anything about it. However, that has caused serious delays in the process. In the first instance, from agreeing the price six weeks ago, the time taken has diminished the value in £ terms becuase the baht rate has gone up. Great for you chaps there, but not so good when funds coming in this direction. Thus I have already lost around £5,000, despite still not having received a penny this end.

My need for funds to be here were urgent over a week ago, in that some of that money has been promised to my daughter on a deposit for a house here. Her vendors and solicitors have been hearing excuses from me for the last week, and I can't put them off much longer. Thus my urgency to find a way to get this money out asap. Despite friends there explaining that to my lawyer, he doesn't seem to be registering the urgency at all. This morning's email from him, following mine which said in bold letters: "PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM IS?" was: "I can send £10,000 now and the rest will take a while." I am assuming that is because he will need to provide all of the relevant paperwork at the bank to justify transfer of a larger amount, and thus the time delay. £10,000 is not enough for need now - I need £35k immediately. The vendor at this end is about to pull the plug on this deal.

Thus I was just hoping that one of you there may of known of a short-circuit route - if one existed. It appears not. But thanks again for trying to assist.

I was just hoping

[manjara]

One way I was thinking about a while ago would be not to transfer the money out of the country at all, but find someone (or several people) who wants to put money into Thailand.

I was in a position last year where I needed to send 40k sterling to Thailand, unfortunately I'm not there now or I would have offered, but the principle is this:-

Find a bank that has presence in Thailand and the UK (HSBC). Approach them about acting as an Escrow and then agree a conversion rate between yourself and the person in the UK that wants to transfer to Thailand.

You transfer the appropriate baht to the HSBC escrow account in Thailand, the other party transfers the appropriate pounds to the escrow account in the UK. HSBC confirms that escrow amounts are in place and transfers the baht to the other party's thai account, and the pounds to your sterling account in the UK. As you can see, no foreign currency transaction took place; baht went to baht, Sterling went to sterling.

Not sure if HSBC would do the escrow function or how much they would charge, but unless they charged 2.5% it would be cheaper than any other option you have at the moment.

[JOHN2]

Hey Gulliver if its of any use to you my son who lives in Bangkok is flying back to the UK on 15th August if you wanted him to carry your atm card back to you. Before everyone else starts saying how can you trust a stranger, I will say it myself....lol

But anyway it is another option for you if you want.

PM me if needed.

HL

Erh,there is such an invention called the post believe it or not

[Gulliver]

Sounds a brilliant idea, Manjara. But few people I know in Thailand haven't got large bank accounts left here. I had hoped buyer would have done money transfer here, but obviously needed to show entryof money into Thailand to purchase, just in case he in turns sells to move out again.

Right now it isn't the 2.5% that I am so concerned about - my daughter is about to loose this house, and will be devastated. So frustrating when I have the money but - due to lawyer's procrastination and lack of communication, I haven't got a clue what is going on.

I haven't made any profit at all - a loss in fact, so paperwork should have been straight-forward to prove that. Just can't get to the bottom of what he is playing at.

Am beginning to conclude that the only way to sort this is to cancel hospital and get out there myself to sort.

But again, thanks all for your support and ideas.

[haybilly]

Sounds a brilliant idea, Manjara. But few people I know in Thailand haven't got large bank accounts left here. I had hoped buyer would have done money transfer here, but obviously needed to show entryof money into Thailand to purchase, just in case he in turns sells to move out again.

Right now it isn't the 2.5% that I am so concerned about - my daughter is about to loose this house, and will be devastated. So frustrating when I have the money but - due to lawyer's procrastination and lack of communication, I haven't got a clue what is going on.

I haven't made any profit at all - a loss in fact, so paperwork should have been straight-forward to prove that. Just can't get to the bottom of what he is playing at.

Am beginning to conclude that the only way to sort this is to cancel hospital and get out there myself to sort.

But again, thanks all for your support and ideas.

For what it's worth--there have been various threads posted on this subject over the past months/years--I tele-transferred, Thai bank to UK bank, 2 million baht in ONE transaction and the funds were in my UK account within 24 hours--I used Siam Commercial, and as in your case the funds were from sale of a property--main difference being that I was in Thailand at the time and in possession of all paperwork relating to land purchase, building and eventual sale of property--I did get a follow up from Bank of Thailand about 1 week after transaction--they wanted the relevant transfer from UK bank document which showed money came into Thailand; on the face of what others are saying it seems I was very lucky--or, they have changed the rules in the last 2 or 3 years--not sure which.

My advice would definitely be to do your utmost to get over to LOS asap and get the cash in to your own bank--before something happens to it.

[JOHN2]

It's been said on this thread that the maximum amount to transfer o/s per transaction is 20k dollars.

Out of curiosity i called my bank and asked them what is the limit for a foreigner to transfer overseas,she went away to ask then came back with the answer 'there is NO limit' any views on that? and also would you need a work permit to transfer a large amount? That was a question i should have asked.

It just doesn't seem right,Thailand have always had tight restrictions on sending money out.

PS:I am talking about baht accounts of course.

[tangoll]

John2, in my earlier post about transferring money out after sale of a condo, the limit on what can be exported depends upon the transaction value of the sale as reported on the Land Dept office tax payment receipt.

The US$20K number occurs in several instances:

1. On import of funds, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate is issued only when the funds imported is at least US$20K or equivalent in other foreign currency. But I've read of other instances here in TV where a bank would issue its own letter for amounts imported of less than US$20K.

2. I understand that an individual arriving into Thailand by air, sea, etc., must declare if he/she is carrying more than US$20K or equivalent in cash or other negotiable instruments. I don't know if it is illegal to bring in more than US$20K; only that it must be declared, I guess to somebody, because the Thai landing card has no spot to make that declaration (like in the landing card for entry into the US).

3. I don't know if when leaving Thailand, one must declare if carrying more than US$20K or equiv out of country.

[JOHN2]

John2, in my earlier post about transferring money out after sale of a condo, the limit on what can be exported depends upon the transaction value of the sale as reported on the Land Dept office tax payment receipt.

The US$20K number occurs in several instances:

1. On import of funds, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate is issued only when the funds imported is at least US$20K or equivalent in other foreign currency. But I've read of other instances here in TV where a bank would issue its own letter for amounts imported of less than US$20K.

2. I understand that an individual arriving into Thailand by air, sea, etc., must declare if he/she is carrying more than US$20K or equivalent in cash or other negotiable instruments. I don't know if it is illegal to bring in more than US$20K; only that it must be declared, I guess to somebody, because the Thai landing card has no spot to make that declaration (like in the landing card for entry into the US).

3. I don't know if when leaving Thailand, one must declare if carrying more than US$20K or equiv out of country.

Tangoll - that doesn't answer my question at all.Forget the property angle i just want to know if i can transfer what i want from my baht a/c without a work visa? It's a very simple question.

Regarding your 3rd question there is no limit on carrying foreign currency out of the country,there is with baht,i think it's 50k.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

John2, in my earlier post about transferring money out after sale of a condo, the limit on what can be exported depends upon the transaction value of the sale as reported on the Land Dept office tax payment receipt.

The US$20K number occurs in several instances:

1. On import of funds, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate is issued only when the funds imported is at least US$20K or equivalent in other foreign currency. But I've read of other instances here in TV where a bank would issue its own letter for amounts imported of less than US$20K.

2. I understand that an individual arriving into Thailand by air, sea, etc., must declare if he/she is carrying more than US$20K or equivalent in cash or other negotiable instruments. I don't know if it is illegal to bring in more than US$20K; only that it must be declared, I guess to somebody, because the Thai landing card has no spot to make that declaration (like in the landing card for entry into the US).

3. I don't know if when leaving Thailand, one must declare if carrying more than US$20K or equiv out of country.

Tangoll - that doesn't answer my question at all.Forget the property angle i just want to know if i can transfer what i want from my baht a/c without a work visa? It's a very simple question.

Regarding your 3rd question there is no limit on carrying foreign currency out of the country,there is with baht,i think it's 50k.

In cash you can carry US$20,000 ( or its equivalent ) in or out of Thailand PROVIDED it is declared to Customs on arrival or departure.

[JOHN2]

John2, in my earlier post about transferring money out after sale of a condo, the limit on what can be exported depends upon the transaction value of the sale as reported on the Land Dept office tax payment receipt.

The US$20K number occurs in several instances:

1. On import of funds, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate is issued only when the funds imported is at least US$20K or equivalent in other foreign currency. But I've read of other instances here in TV where a bank would issue its own letter for amounts imported of less than US$20K.

2. I understand that an individual arriving into Thailand by air, sea, etc., must declare if he/she is carrying more than US$20K or equivalent in cash or other negotiable instruments. I don't know if it is illegal to bring in more than US$20K; only that it must be declared, I guess to somebody, because the Thai landing card has no spot to make that declaration (like in the landing card for entry into the US).

3. I don't know if when leaving Thailand, one must declare if carrying more than US$20K or equiv out of country.

Tangoll - that doesn't answer my question at all.Forget the property angle i just want to know if i can transfer what i want from my baht a/c without a work visa? It's a very simple question.

Regarding your 3rd question there is no limit on carrying foreign currency out of the country,there is with baht,i think it's 50k.

In cash you can carry US$20,000 ( or its equivalent ) in or out of Thailand PROVIDED it is declared to Customs on arrival or departure.

WRONG - There is NO LIMIT in taking foreign currency OUT of the Kingdom.

*Wonders if anyone will actually andwer the question*

[dr_Pat_Pong]

John2, in my earlier post about transferring money out after sale of a condo, the limit on what can be exported depends upon the transaction value of the sale as reported on the Land Dept office tax payment receipt.

The US$20K number occurs in several instances:

1. On import of funds, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate is issued only when the funds imported is at least US$20K or equivalent in other foreign currency. But I've read of other instances here in TV where a bank would issue its own letter for amounts imported of less than US$20K.

2. I understand that an individual arriving into Thailand by air, sea, etc., must declare if he/she is carrying more than US$20K or equivalent in cash or other negotiable instruments. I don't know if it is illegal to bring in more than US$20K; only that it must be declared, I guess to somebody, because the Thai landing card has no spot to make that declaration (like in the landing card for entry into the US).

3. I don't know if when leaving Thailand, one must declare if carrying more than US$20K or equiv out of country.

Tangoll - that doesn't answer my question at all.Forget the property angle i just want to know if i can transfer what i want from my baht a/c without a work visa? It's a very simple question.

Regarding your 3rd question there is no limit on carrying foreign currency out of the country,there is with baht,i think it's 50k.

In cash you can carry US$20,000 ( or its equivalent ) in or out of Thailand PROVIDED it is declared to Customs on arrival or departure.

WRONG - There is NO LIMIT in taking foreign currency OUT of the Kingdom.

*Wonders if anyone will actually andwer the question*

In currency there is DEFINITELY a limit unless declared to Thai Customs and approved.

[JOHN2]

John2, in my earlier post about transferring money out after sale of a condo, the limit on what can be exported depends upon the transaction value of the sale as reported on the Land Dept office tax payment receipt.

The US$20K number occurs in several instances:

1. On import of funds, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Certificate is issued only when the funds imported is at least US$20K or equivalent in other foreign currency. But I've read of other instances here in TV where a bank would issue its own letter for amounts imported of less than US$20K.

2. I understand that an individual arriving into Thailand by air, sea, etc., must declare if he/she is carrying more than US$20K or equivalent in cash or other negotiable instruments. I don't know if it is illegal to bring in more than US$20K; only that it must be declared, I guess to somebody, because the Thai landing card has no spot to make that declaration (like in the landing card for entry into the US).

3. I don't know if when leaving Thailand, one must declare if carrying more than US$20K or equiv out of country.

Tangoll - that doesn't answer my question at all.Forget the property angle i just want to know if i can transfer what i want from my baht a/c without a work visa? It's a very simple question.

Regarding your 3rd question there is no limit on carrying foreign currency out of the country,there is with baht,i think it's 50k.

In cash you can carry US$20,000 ( or its equivalent ) in or out of Thailand PROVIDED it is declared to Customs on arrival or departure.

WRONG - There is NO LIMIT in taking foreign currency OUT of the Kingdom.

*Wonders if anyone will actually andwer the question*

In currency there is DEFINITELY a limit unless declared to Thai Customs and approved.

No there isn't,there is NO LIMIT i checked it all.

[Gulliver]

John2. You can transfer funds out without a work permit. I did that when I came back to UK. I spent my time in Thailand on a retirement visa, thus had to have @ £12,000 in the bank. I had no problem sending that back. I was just asked to show where it had come from. That was easy for me to justify to the bank because they had held those funds, as well as providing me with the documentation that I had to have from them for the Visa renewal.

I also know of a guy who bought a house, never moved in, sold it on within a couple of months, and then transferred it all back in one go. He had made a profit, and thus had to pay taxes on the profit before the rest got transferred. But he did eventually manage it in only two days, going between his local branch of his Thai bank and the BKK main office of that bank providing the proof of his purhase, sale, profit etc.

My problem seems to have been caused by the ferang buyer, his fernag lawyer and my estate agent, who had my lease documents turned upside down and changed to meet his requirements to have the house separated from the whole lease and put into the buyer's name. For reasons I do not understand, to make that easier, my lease was cancelled, and new lease put into place re: the land, and then separately, the house was put into the leaseholder's name, then 'sold' to the new buyer. So I think what has happened for me (in the absence of clear info from my lawyer) is that he has been manipulated by the ferangs at that end, buyer plus agent plus his English lawyer there - with him believing that I had agreed to all that they were telling him (i.e. that I was fully aware of all of this because he assumed all us ferangs had consulted and agreement reached). None of that happened, and so now I think that the documents that finally went through do not actually show that I have sold anything - thus can't prove I have not made a profit (because I haven't).

Big lesson learned here, which I am still bailing myself out of. As I said before, whether it be gullible, naive or just plain stupid, I don't know - but what I am sure of is that I have been far too trusting.

[JOHN2]

John2. You can transfer funds out without a work permit. I did that when I came back to UK. I spent my time in Thailand on a retirement visa, thus had to have @ £12,000 in the bank. I had no problem sending that back. I was just asked to show where it had come from. That was easy for me to justify to the bank because they had held those funds, as well as providing me with the documentation that I had to have from them for the Visa renewal.

I also know of a guy who bought a house, never moved in, sold it on within a couple of months, and then transferred it all back in one go. He had made a profit, and thus had to pay taxes on the profit before the rest got transferred. But he did eventually manage it in only two days, going between his local branch of his Thai bank and the BKK main office of that bank providing the proof of his purhase, sale, profit etc.

My problem seems to have been caused by the ferang buyer, his fernag lawyer and my estate agent, who had my lease documents turned upside down and changed to meet his requirements to have the house separated from the whole lease and put into the buyer's name. For reasons I do not understand, to make that easier, my lease was cancelled, and new lease put into place re: the land, and then separately, the house was put into the leaseholder's name, then 'sold' to the new buyer. So I think what has happened for me (in the absence of clear info from my lawyer) is that he has been manipulated by the ferangs at that end, buyer plus agent plus his English lawyer there - with him believing that I had agreed to all that they were telling him (i.e. that I was fully aware of all of this because he assumed all us ferangs had consulted and agreement reached). None of that happened, and so now I think that the documents that finally went through do not actually show that I have sold anything - thus can't prove I have not made a profit (because I haven't).

Big lesson learned here, which I am still bailing myself out of. As I said before, whether it be gullible, naive or just plain stupid, I don't know - but what I am sure of is that I have been far too trusting.

Thanks for that Gulliver.....my funds are already in the account so surely i won't get the 'where did they come from' question will i?