Transferring Money to Thailand to Buy Property: The FET Form Explained

For foreign buyers, the money transfer is not just logistics — it is a legal requirement that affects whether you can register the property in your name. The key document is the Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) record. Get this step wrong and a condo registration can stall.

Quick answer

To register a condominium under foreign freehold ownership, the purchase funds generally must be remitted into Thailand from abroad in foreign currency, and your Thai bank issues an FET record (historically the "Tor Tor 3") evidencing the inbound foreign-currency transfer. You present this at the Land Office. Always confirm the current threshold and exact document with your bank.

What the FET is

The FET is the bank's official evidence that money entered Thailand from overseas in foreign currency and was converted to Thai baht inside Thailand. For condo registration, it links your foreign funds to the purchase — the legal basis for foreign ownership under the Condominium Act.

How to get it — practically

• Send in foreign currency, not baht. The conversion should happen in Thailand.
• State the purpose of the transfer (purchase of a condominium) and the property/seller where your bank requests it.
• Use the buyer's name — funds should come in matching the person who will own the unit.
• Request the FET record from the receiving Thai bank once funds arrive; for some amounts a bank credit advice/letter may be used — confirm what your Land Office accepts.
• Keep every document — FET, SWIFT confirmations and receipts.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Converting to baht abroad and sending baht (can break the foreign-currency requirement).
• Splitting transfers in a way that complicates evidence (confirm handling with the bank first).
• Mismatched names between the remitter and the registered owner.
• Leaving the FET request until transfer day at the Land Office.

Where this fits in the purchase

The transfer and FET sit at Step 5 of the buying process, just before Land Office registration — see buying property in Phuket step by step. For the ownership rules behind it, see how foreigners can buy property in Phuket.

Conclusion

Treat the money transfer as a legal step, not an afterthought: foreign currency, correct purpose and name, and the FET record retained. Confirm the current requirements with your bank and lawyer before you send funds.

PhuketStayPro can coordinate with your bank and lawyer so the transfer and registration line up. Browse listings or ask us.

Notes / fact-check flags

FET rules, thresholds, accepted documents and bank procedures change over time and vary by bank and amount. This is general information, not financial or legal advice — confirm current requirements with your Thai bank and an independent qualified lawyer before transferring money. Note: this site never asks you to enter banking details or send funds to anyone.