Thailand has taken another step toward integrating digital assets into its economy with the launch of “TouristDigiPay,” a pilot program that allows foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht for everyday use.
Announced on Monday by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the initiative will run for 18 months under a regulatory sandbox supervised by the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The program enables tourists to exchange crypto through regulated platforms, making funds available for spending at local merchants across the country. The SEC had recently concluded a public consultation on using crypto assets to boost tourism, with results suggesting strong interest from both travelers and businesses, according to local outlet The Nation.
Officials emphasized that TouristDigiPay is not designed to make crypto a direct form of payment in Thailand. Instead, it serves as a bridge for travelers who wish to spend digital assets while complying with Thai law. Participants must follow strict anti-money laundering and customer verification measures, including full know-your-customer (KYC) checks.
The move comes as travel behavior shifts toward electronic payments and digital asset adoption. Thailand has been proactive in regulating the crypto sector, establishing clear legal and tax frameworks earlier than many other countries. Just last month, the Cabinet approved a Finance Ministry proposal exempting crypto transactions from capital gains tax until December 31, 2029, further signaling its intention to foster blockchain innovation.
With TouristDigiPay, Thailand positions itself as one of the most crypto-friendly travel destinations, potentially setting a new standard for how countries can integrate digital assets into tourism.
