Thailand Opens a New Era of Tourism: Cryptocurrency Becomes the Key to Payment Through TouristDigiPay
On August 18, 2025, Thailand launches the innovative TouristDigiPay service, allowing foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrency into Thai Baht and pay for goods and services via QR codes. This initiative aims to revive the tourism sector after a decline in visitors from China.
A New Tool for Tourists: What is TouristDigiPay?
From August 18, 2025, foreign tourists in Thailand can use cryptocurrency for payments thanks to the launch of the TouristDigiPay program. The service, developed with government support, allows converting digital assets into Thai Baht, which can then be used for electronic payments via scanning QR codes. The program is implemented within a regulated sandbox, ensuring control by the authorities and eliminating direct use of cryptocurrency as a payment method.
The initiative will be officially presented at a press conference with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavachira, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
How Does the Service Work?
To use TouristDigiPay, tourists need to meet several conditions:
Account Registration: Tourists must open accounts with a licensed digital asset operator and electronic money provider, regulated by the SEC and the Bank of Thailand respectively.
KYC Completion: All participants must undergo the Know Your Customer identity verification in accordance with AMLO requirements to prevent money laundering.
Conversion and Payment: After converting cryptocurrency to Baht, tourists gain access to electronic payments through QR codes, making transactions easier in shops, restaurants, and other venues.
The Bank of Thailand has developed a special 'Tourist Wallet' that supports QR payments for tourists from countries without cross-border QR payment agreements. Future plans include integration with foreign debit and credit cards, making the system even more versatile.
Anti-Money Laundering Measures
To ensure security and compliance with international standards, the program has strict limitations. Tourists can only withdraw funds upon account closure, not as cash based on balance. For merchants, monthly expenditure limits are set: 500,000 Baht for major outlets with card terminals and 50,000 Baht for small businesses. Transactions are prohibited in high-risk money laundering enterprises, according to AMLO recommendations.
Reviving Tourism Through Innovation
The launch of TouristDigiPay is part of the Thai government's strategy to restore the tourism sector, significantly impacted after the COVID-19 pandemic and the drop in tourists from China, the largest pre-war market. In 2019, the country was visited by 28.1 million foreign tourists, but in recent years, this figure has significantly decreased. The introduction of cryptocurrency payments aims to attract tech-savvy travelers and stimulate economic growth by simplifying financial transactions.
Prospects and Market Impact
The TouristDigiPay program reflects the global trend of integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday financial operations. According to Chainalysis, in 2025, cryptocurrency use spiked in emerging countries like India, Nigeria, and Vietnam for remittances and inflation protection. Thailand, by implementing TouristDigiPay, becomes a pioneer in the use of digital assets in tourism, which may inspire other countries to take similar steps.
Analysts believe the initiative will not only ease transactions for tourists but also strengthen Thailand's position as a leader in financial technology in Southeast Asia. The success of the program will depend on user-friendliness, system reliability, and the further expansion of QR payment infrastructure.