Thailand Introduces Cryptocurrency Trial Zone for Tourist Transactions
Thailand Introduces TouristDigiPay to Boost Post-Pandemic Tourism and Attract Tech-Savvy Travelers
Thailand, in an effort to revive its tourism sector, has launched a new cryptocurrency payment system called TouristDigiPay. The system, introduced on August 18, 2025, allows foreign tourists to convert their digital assets into Thai baht for everyday transactions like shopping, dining, and travel payments through QR codes.
How TouristDigiPay Works
To use TouristDigiPay, tourists must open accounts with both a licensed digital-asset platform and an electronic money (e-money) provider, regulated by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT). Users undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) checks as per Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) guidelines to ensure identity verification and prevent illicit activities.
Tourists convert their cryptocurrency into Thai baht within a secure regulatory sandbox environment supervised by the SEC and BOT; direct cryptocurrency payments to merchants are not allowed. Instead, merchants receive payments only in baht by scanning QR codes, simplifying transactions without the need for cash or cards.
Regulations and Safeguards
The project operates under strict regulation by the SEC, BOT, Ministry of Finance, AMLO, and Ministry of Tourism and Sports. There are monthly spending caps to mitigate risk: up to 500,000 baht (~$15,400) for merchants using terminals and up to 50,000 baht (~$1,500) for small entrepreneurs accepting crypto payments. Direct cash withdrawals are blocked, and risk management measures are in place to protect both tourists and merchants. The entire initiative runs within a regulatory sandbox lasting 18 months, allowing close oversight and adjustment.
Strategic Context
The program aims to attract tech-savvy tourists who use cryptocurrencies, especially after a 20% decline in Chinese visitors. By integrating crypto payments through TouristDigiPay, Thailand hopes to position itself as a leader in digital financial innovation in Southeast Asia and potentially boost crypto-related tourism spending by 10–15% if widely adopted by merchants and tourists alike.
However, the report also emphasizes the need for Thailand to diversify, reposition, and enhance visitor experiences to compete in the changing regional landscape. Travelers are choosing destinations like Japan and Vietnam due to cost factors, and Thailand must address these concerns to remain competitive.
In summary, TouristDigiPay is a regulated crypto-to-baht conversion and payment system for international tourists that ensures compliance with financial and AML regulations, controls transaction risks, and serves as a catalyst for tourism sector recovery and digital innovation in Thailand.
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