Thailand launches pilot program to facilitate payments with cryptocurrencies

By Canuto

Called “Touristdigipay“The program allows travelers to change cryptocurrencies for local currency to pay in shops in the country. The government launched a specific wallet called Tourist Wallet as part of the initiative.

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• “Touristdigipay“: The new program for Thailand cryptocurrency tourists.
• The program allows travelers to change crypts for local currency to pay in Thai shops.
• The government launched a specific wallet called Tourist Wallet for the initiative.
• It is part of Thailand’s efforts to reactivate tourism and modernize its financial system.

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Tourists traveling to Thailand will now have easier to pay with cryptocurrencies in local shops.

Thailand has launched an innovative pilot program called “Touristdigipay“, Designed to revitalize their tourism sector by allowing foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrencies into the local currency to make uncomplicated electronic payments.

This initiative, which began on Monday, according to the local media The Nationresponds to a notable decrease in the arrival of tourists, especially from China, and reflects the growing global interest in digital assets.

The program, which will be extended for 18 months, was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Pichai Chunhavajira, and operates under a controlled regulatory environment (Sandbox) Supervised by the Ministry of Finance, the Commission of Securities and Bag (SEC), the Office of Money Laundering Prevention (AMLO) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Touristdigipay allows tourists to exchange their cryptocurrencies as Bitcoin By Baht Thai through regulated platforms, which can then use in shops throughout the country.

Thailand promotes tourism with financial technology

The program arises after a public consultation made by the SEC, completed on August 13, on the use of digital assets to support economic and tourist growth. According to the authorities, Touristdigipay It responds to changes in travelers’ habits, who depend more and more electronic payments and show a growing interest in cryptocurrencies.

However, the authorities have emphasized that the program does not seek to promote digital currencies as a means of direct payment, but as a tool to facilitate transactions in Baht.

To participate, foreign tourists must open accounts with suppliers of digital assets and electronic money services regulated by the SEC and the Bank of Thailand (Bot), respectively. In addition, they must meet strict identity verification requirements (KYC) and due diligence, in line with AMLO’s regulations to prevent money laundering. Only tourists who temporarily remain in Thailand are eligible to use the service.

Digital wallets and spending limits

The Bank of Thailand has collaborated with electronic money services suppliers for Develop a “Tourist Wallet”a digital wallet that allows visitors to make payments through QR codes, especially for those from countries without cross -border payment agreements with Thailand, such as Singapore, Malaysia or China (through UnionPay).

Tourists can recharge their portfolios with cash in suppliers, foreign debit cards or credit, or international bank transfers.

To mitigate risks of financial crimes, the program establishes expenditure limits: 500,000 BAHT (approximately USD $ 13,800) per month for shops with card terminals and 50,000 baht for small stores. In addition, cash withdrawals are prohibited, and tourists can only recover their money by closing their accounts, not through retreats based on the recharged balance. The shops considered high risk for money laundering, according to AMLO’s guidelines, are excluded from transactions.

Cryptocurrency conversion still under review

Although the program Touristdigipay It includes the possibility of converting cryptocurrencies to the local currency, this function is still subject to a regulatory review that will be extended until mid -August. The sec is evaluating whether Exchange and regulated custodians can implement this conversion safely, guaranteeing compliance with regulations against money laundering and the use of “mule” accounts. Until this process is completed, cryptocurrency users will not be able to spend directly through the wallet.

For now, the digital portfolio works as an electronic money -based money system, offering convenience through payments with QR codes. He Thailand bank plans to expand the functionality of the Tourist Wallet In the future, linking it directly with foreign debit cards and credit, which will further facilitate transactions for visitors.

Thailand leaders pioneer regulatory framework

Thailand stands out as one of the first countries to establish clear legal and fiscal frameworks for cryptocurrencies. In July 2025, the Government approved a proposal from the Ministry of Finance to exempt tax profits in cryptocurrency transactions until December 31, 2029, which reinforces its commitment to financial innovation.

This favorable regulatory environment, combined with initiatives such as Touristdigipaypositions Thailand as a tourist destination at the forefront of financial technology, especially attractive for travelers interested in digital assets.

With the launch of TouristdigipayThailand seeks not only to recover its tourism industry, affected by the decrease in visitors, but also consolidate as a leader in the integration of emerging technologies. The success of this pilot program could sit a precedent for other countries that seek to take advantage of the potential of cryptocurrencies in tourism.

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Article written with the help of AI, edited by Diariobitcoin

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