I have redemed points for a QF ticket BKK-SYD. I also received the message that the card needs verification in BKK. Based in SYD, this was not going to be possible. I rang QF in SYD (perhaps MEL?) and explained, they said "no problems" and the ticket was issued. IIRC it was still issued in BKK as I had a THB charge on my CC for the taxes.

OT: It was a delight to redeem AS points for a US domestic flight the other day and not make any cash payment for taxes etc.