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TLDR:
- Thailand launched TouristDigiPay today, letting tourists convert crypto to Baht for QR payments under strict spending limits.
- Only foreign tourists can join the scheme, with full KYC and AML checks required before using the service.
- Merchants receive Thai Baht, not crypto, ensuring compliance with payment regulations and reducing risks of misuse.
- The program runs in a regulatory sandbox with limits on withdrawals and monthly spending to prevent financial crime.
Thailand has lately made a bold move. Starting August 18, foreign visitors can convert crypto into Thai Baht for direct spending. The new scheme, called “TouristDigiPay,” aims to boost a struggling tourism sector with a modern payment twist.
Officials confirmed the service will run under strict rules, with oversight from multiple regulators. The program comes as Thailand looks for fresh ways to revive tourism revenue after a sharp slowdown in arrivals.
TouristDigiPay: Thailand’s New Crypto Payment Scheme
According to local reports and updates shared by crypto commentators like DustyBC Crypto, the Thai government is rolling out “TouristDigiPay” to support tourism with digital payments. Tourists will be able to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai Baht and spend them through electronic channels such as QR codes.
However, the system will not allow direct crypto payments to merchants. Instead, businesses will receive Baht, not digital tokens.
💥BREAKING
THAILAND TO LAUNCH “TOURISTDIGIPAY” ON AUGUST 18.
TOURISTS WILL BE ABLE TO CONVERT CRYPTO INTO BAHT FOR PAYMENTS. MASSIVE ADOPTION SIGNAL! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/0HISDsaSxU
— DustyBC Crypto (@TheDustyBC) August 17, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will lead the official launch, alongside regulators including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Authorities explained that this scheme is designed to encourage spending while preventing misuse of digital assets.
To use the service, foreign visitors must open accounts with both a regulated digital asset operator and an e-money provider authorized by the Bank of Thailand. This setup ensures transactions remain fully traceable under existing laws. Participants will face Know Your Customer and customer due diligence checks before gaining access.
The program will run under a “sandbox” framework, which allows new technology to operate in a controlled environment. This framework sets monthly spending limits and prohibits cash withdrawals to curb money laundering and financial crime.
Crypto Adoption in Tourism Payments
The push for “TouristDigiPay” comes as Thailand struggles with weaker tourism numbers, particularly from Chinese visitors. Officials believe digital payments could draw younger, crypto-savvy travelers and stimulate local spending.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently concluded a public consultation on financial innovation and digital assets, with feedback closing on August 13. Authorities said the results supported controlled trials for crypto use in tourism-related services.
Crypto Patel, another market watcher, reported that the scheme is now live, confirming tourists can pay with crypto through QR code channels while merchants receive Baht. Spending will stay capped under rules to prevent risky flows.
JUST IN: 🇹🇭 Thailand has launched TouristDigiPay, a program that lets visitors convert crypto into Thai Baht for local spending.
Tourists can pay via QR code, merchants get Baht, not crypto.
KYC + spending limits apply.
Crypto is officially going mainstream in travel pic.twitter.com/wZsb96qOsn
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) August 18, 2025
Thailand has experimented with blockchain-based tourism concepts before, but this marks the first nationwide system tied directly to foreign visitors. With crypto adoption spreading across industries, the country is positioning itself as a testbed for regulated digital payments in travel
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