Thailand is set to launch a new initiative, TouristDigiPay, on August 18, allowing foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht for use in everyday digital payments. The move is part of a broader strategy to revive the tourism sector, which has seen a slowdown in 2025.
Under the new program, visitors will be able to spend their crypto through electronic payment systems, including QR codes. However, cash withdrawals will not be allowed to help minimize the risk of financial crime.
How TouristDigiPay Works
To participate, tourists must open accounts with both:
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A licensed digital asset provider
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A regulated e-money service
Users will also be required to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) checks before being approved. Once cleared, they can convert supported cryptocurrencies into baht and use them for cashless transactions during their stay.
The system will operate under a regulatory sandbox, allowing authorities to test the service in real-world conditions while keeping tight spending limits and oversight in place. The program will be exclusively available to short-term foreign visitors.
The official launch will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, joined by key officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bank of Thailand (BOT), Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand Eyes Crypto to Boost Tourism
The TouristDigiPay pilot follows public consultations held by the Thai SEC exploring how digital assets could help stimulate tourism and economic growth. According to recent data, global crypto ownership jumped 6.38% in 2024, with over 617 million holders worldwide.
The launch also comes amid a broader crypto boom:
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The global digital asset market recently surpassed $4 trillion
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Bitcoin reached a new all-time high above $124,000
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Ethereum saw a 35% year-to-date gain, outpacing Bitcoin
In parallel, the stablecoin market has also seen rapid growth, now exceeding $286 billion in market cap. Tether’s USDTcontinues to dominate with a circulating supply of over 166 billion.
As digital assets go mainstream, Thailand is positioning itself at the intersection of crypto adoption and tourism, aiming to attract tech-savvy travelers while maintaining strong regulatory controls.
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