Paying-off The House

[Misplaced]

3 years ago my wife and I purchased a condo down south for us & for her parents to live in. Since we have a home and living in the US and could not fly back during the transaction of the home, we decided to temporary put the house into her brother's name. So far, everything worked out as planned. Before you asked, "NO" we don't have a problem with her brother. He has a condo and family of his own, so It was a relieved for him to have mum & dad living on their own.

HERE'S MY PROBLEM, We are coming back to Thailand in April for a 1 month vacation, and during that visit, we want to transfer the Title to mine and my wife and completely pay-off the condo. The problem is transfering the money. Apparently, the mortgage is with The Thai army bank and they do not have the means to tranfer funds from my banking institution in the US. I've spoken with the Thai bank's representative and she confirmed this as well. She said her bank is too small and do not have the technology. I've asked if she would take a personal cheque and verify via the telephone with my bank in the US and she said ,"NO", they cannot recieved from an international account.

I donot want to carry a money order, a travelers cheque or cash of that amount for that matter. i've also considered a daily withdraw from ATM but it's too much money to do that. I'm sure this has happened to many of you gentleman and want to know what other methods are available to me. I want, need, and must trasfer the title during my stay to avoid any future problems. Any advice given would be appreciated. If you have any question(s) which you feel its pertinent to help me please feel free to ask. Thank you.

[Heng]

How did they accept payments on the condo? I assume they had you open up a savings account with Thai Military Bank, and then deducted payments from this account? If so, well then just wire the funds to that account. And YES you can wire funds to TMB from overseas. Hint: their SWIFT code is TMBKTHBK

Another old standby is cashiers check from Citibank in the US. Take it to Citibank on Sathorn Rd. and have them make out a local cashiers check (also payable at Citibank Sathorn). Every local bank will be able to process that check. Will take a week or two, slow but sure.

[Misplaced]

The house payment were made by us through her brother (since its curently in his name). We sent him an ATM card to withdraw a monthly payment. This has worked well but its very limited in the amout you are able to withdraw.

[malcolminthemiddle]

During your visit open a new account with one of the major banks such as Siam Commercial Bank or Bangkok Bank.

Transfer the funds from USA to the new bank account via SWIFT transfer remebering to givie the reason for the funds.

Transfer new funds from new bank account to Thai Military Bank now called Thai Thanakarn Bank, I think.

[Misplaced]

How did they accept payments on the condo? I assume they had you open up a savings account with Thai Military Bank, and then deducted payments from this account? If so, well then just wire the funds to that account. And YES you can wire funds to TMB from overseas. Hint: their SWIFT code is TMBKTHBK

I just talked to the Branch representative a few days ago and was told they were unable to accomodate with wire funds from US since technically they are not set-up to do that . I hope you are right, I will call them again and see if I can speak to the Branch manager. Thank you

Another old standby is cashiers check from Citibank in the US. Take it to Citibank on Sathorn Rd. and have them make out a local cashiers check (also payable at Citibank Sathorn). Every local bank will be able to process that check. Will take a week or two, slow but sure.

I just hate to carry around a large sum of cashiers check (just feel so uneasy when in Thailand), and there's no "City Bank" in the state of Michigan