Meta-description: Thailand launches TouristDigiPay, an 18-month pilot allowing foreign tourists to convert crypto into baht for local payments.
The Thai government has launched TouristDigiPay, an 18-month pilot program that allows foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for payments in the country. The initiative aims to modernize the tourism sector and stimulate visitor spending as arrivals slow.
(Reuters)
Why Thailand is pushing digital payments
Authorities expect around 33 million visitors in 2025, 10% fewer than previously forecast, largely due to weaker Chinese arrivals. By offering tourists the option to convert crypto into baht, officials hope to boost spending and strengthen the nation’s image as a digital innovation hub.
How TouristDigiPay works
The program operates under a regulatory sandbox jointly managed by the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Ministry of Tourism.
- Tourists must open accounts with SEC-licensed crypto platforms and authorized e-money providers.
- Full KYC/AML verification is mandatory.
- Conversions are executed via QR Code, with merchants receiving only baht they do not handle crypto directly.
- Monthly conversion limits range from 50,000 to 500,000 baht, depending on the type of merchant, with per-transaction limits also in place.
Safeguards and outlook
The system is designed to minimize money laundering risks and ensure compliance. Limits may be revised after the pilot phase. If successful, TouristDigiPay could pave the way for wider adoption of digital financial solutions in Thailand’s tourism industry.
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