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08/18/2025

Thailand Prepares to Launch TouristDigiPay: Tourists Will Soon Be Able to Pay with Crypto

The Thai government is reportedly set to launch TouristDigiPay, a sandbox mechanism that allows foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrency into Thai Baht and make electronic payments through licensed e-money wallet providers. The initiative aims to boost the tourism sector, which has been slowing due to declining international visitor numbers. According to The Nation, tourists will need to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) process and open accounts with a digital asset business and an e-money provider regulated by the Bank of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Thailand Prepares to Launch TouristDigiPay: Tourists Will Soon Be Able to Pay with Crypto

The Thai government is reportedly set to launch TouristDigiPay, a sandbox mechanism that allows foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrency into Thai Baht and make electronic payments through licensed e-money wallet providers. The initiative aims to boost the tourism sector, which has been slowing due to declining international visitor numbers.

According to The Nation, tourists will need to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) process and open accounts with a digital asset business and an e-money provider regulated by the Bank of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The system will also enforce monthly spending limits and block direct cash withdrawals to minimize risk.

Boosting Tourism in a Challenging Climate

In the first half of 2025, Thailand welcomed approximately 16.8 million tourists, down from 17.7 million in the same period the previous year. Notably, arrivals from China — the country's top source market — dropped by as much as 34%, while visitors from East Asia overall fell 24%. Analysts point to stiff competition from Japan, benefiting from a weak yen, and Vietnam, which offers lower travel costs, as major headwinds for Thailand.

Officials are hoping TouristDigiPay will create a more modern and seamless payment experience, attracting more international visitors and helping Thailand maintain its position as a leading regional destination.

A Global Trend

Thailand is not the only country experimenting with crypto in tourism. Bhutan recently partnered with Binance Pay to accept crypto payments for travel, while the UAE has also allowed passengers to use cryptocurrency for airline tickets and in-flight purchases.

With TouristDigiPay, Thailand is signaling an openness to blockchain technology adoption — supporting tourism growth while making its mark in the country's broader digital transformation strategy.