Thailand welcomes crypto-savvy tourists with payment initiative
Thailand is gearing up to launch a regulatory “sandbox” that would allow tourists to easily spend their cryptocurrency while visiting the country, according to recent reports. The initiative, dubbed “TouristDigiPay,” aims to boost Thailand’s tourism sector by making it easier for foreign visitors to convert their digital assets into Thai baht and use them for everyday purchases.
According to a report in The Nation, the plan is expected to launch soon and will enable tourists to exchange cryptocurrencies for Thai baht through regulated e-money service providers. To participate, tourists will need to undergo standard Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and open accounts with both a digital asset business and an e-money provider that are licensed by the Bank of Thailand and the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The Thai government is also putting safeguards in place. These include monthly spending limits and a restriction preventing direct cash withdrawals from the crypto accounts. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is expected to release full details about the TouristDigiPay initiative shortly.
Hoping for a tourism boost
The TouristDigiPay scheme represents Thailand’s effort to inject new life into its tourism industry, particularly in light of a recent slowdown in the number of foreign visitors. A report by The World Tourism Institute indicated that Thailand welcomed approximately 16.8 million tourists in the first half of 2025, a decrease from 17.7 million in the same period the previous year. There was a notable decline in visitors from East Asia (24%) and China (34%). The report suggests that tourists are increasingly drawn to other destinations in the region, such as Japan (due to the weaker yen) and Vietnam (known for its affordability).
“Thailand’s 5% tourism decline in 2025 underscores the urgent need for diversification, market repositioning, and enhanced visitor experiences to compete in a changing regional landscape,” the World Tourism Institute stated.
Thailand’s ongoing crypto exploration
The idea of using cryptocurrency to stimulate tourism has been under consideration by the Thai government for some time. The Thai SEC concluded a public consultation on the use of financial innovation and digital assets to support economic and tourism growth.
Chunhavajira initially announced the TouristDigiPay initiative at an investment seminar in Bangkok. This announcement followed news of a proposed trial program in Phuket, a popular tourist destination, which would allow foreign visitors to use cryptocurrencies to pay for goods and services. That trial is reportedly still in development.
Following a growing trend
Thailand is not alone in exploring the use of cryptocurrency to attract tourists. The Kingdom of Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and a local bank (DK Bank) to enable tourists to pay for expenses using crypto. Similarly, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin has teamed up with Shift4 Payments to offer customers the option of paying for space trips in Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and stablecoins like USDT and USDC. In another example, the United Arab Emirates reached an agreement with Crypto.com to allow passengers to pay for flights and in-flight purchases using cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
Thailand’s TouristDigiPay initiative signals a forward-thinking approach to revitalizing its tourism sector amidst a changing global landscape. By embracing cryptocurrency, Thailand aims to cater to a growing segment of tech-savvy travelers, offer a more seamless and convenient payment experience, and differentiate itself from competing destinations. While the implementation of safeguards and regulatory oversight is crucial to mitigate risks, the initiative has the potential to boost tourism revenue, enhance Thailand’s image as an innovative destination, and further integrate cryptocurrency into the mainstream economy. The success of TouristDigiPay could serve as a model for other tourism-dependent nations looking to leverage the benefits of digital assets.
