Thailand is set to pilot a new digital initiative that will allow international travelers to convert their cryptocurrency into Thai baht. Known as TouristDigiPay, the project is designed to make it easier for foreign tourists to spend money during their stay, all while helping to revitalize the country’s struggling tourism sector.
What Is TouristDigiPay?
TouristDigiPay is a government-backed payment system that enables travelers to convert crypto assets into Thai baht for use within the country. The system will not allow direct purchases with cryptocurrency. Instead, merchants will receive payments in local currency, ensuring smooth transactions and price stability.
Set to launch in Q4 2025, the initiative will operate as an 18-month regulatory sandbox. This means it will undergo real-world testing under controlled conditions to evaluate its safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance before a full-scale rollout.
The program is being led by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Key Features and Safeguards for Travelers
TouristDigiPay is not just about convenience—it’s built with strong regulatory safeguards. Each user will go through Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to verify their identity. Spending limits will be applied on a monthly basis, and users will be blocked from converting crypto into cash, reducing the risk of money laundering or illicit activity.
The SEC says the system is based on Thailand’s existing digital asset and e-money infrastructure, which helps manage risk for both tourists and local merchants.
Officials hope that this new digital option will attract tech-savvy tourists and make Thailand more appealing to international visitors, particularly as the country works to recover from a drop in arrivals—especially from key markets like China.
More details about the rollout and operational framework are expected from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira on Monday.