Thailand to Launch Crypto Payment Sandbox for Tourists to Revitalize Travel Sector
Thailand is gearing up to unveil a nationwide crypto payment initiative designed exclusively for international tourists. Dubbed TouristDigiPay, the pilot program will enable foreign visitors to convert digital assets into Thai baht and make electronic purchases through licensed e-money platforms. The system is set to launch this coming Monday, according to local outlet The Nation.
To gain access, tourists will need to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and set up accounts with regulated digital asset exchanges and e-money service providers approved by the Bank of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Strict controls will accompany the rollout, including monthly transaction caps and restrictions preventing direct withdrawals of Thai baht in cash. Further specifics are expected to be unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira during an official announcement on Monday.
Reviving Tourism Through Innovation
This digital finance initiative arrives amid a noticeable dip in international arrivals—especially from China, a critical demographic for Thailand’s travel industry. According to The World Tourism Institute’s July report, Thailand hosted approximately 16.8 million visitors in the first six months of 2025, down from 17.7 million during the same period last year. Notably, arrivals from East Asia dropped by 24%, with Chinese tourists falling by 34%.
Neighbouring countries such as Japan and Vietnam are attracting more attention from travelers. Japan’s depreciating yen has made it more budget-friendly, while Vietnam offers relatively lower travel costs, making them increasingly attractive alternatives.
“The 5% decrease in tourism figures for Thailand this year highlights an urgent need for strategic repositioning, broader market appeal, and enhanced visitor experiences to remain competitive in the evolving regional landscape,” the Institute noted.
Crypto Integration in Focus
The use of digital currencies to stimulate tourism isn’t a sudden move. Thailand’s SEC wrapped up a public consultation on the application of financial technology and digital assets to aid economic and tourism development on August 13.
Chunhavajira originally introduced TouristDigiPay during a business investment forum held in Bangkok back in May. The announcement came on the heels of a crypto pilot in Phuket, revealed in January, which aims to allow foreign travelers to use digital currencies for everyday purchases. That project is still under development.
Crypto Gains Ground in Global Tourism
Thailand is not alone in leveraging crypto to enhance its appeal to travelers. Bhutan, for instance, has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to let tourists settle expenses using digital currencies. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates teamed up with Crypto.com in July to support crypto-based payments for air travel and onboard purchases.
Even the space tourism industry is catching on. On August 11, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, collaborated with Shift4 Payments to let customers pay for commercial spaceflights using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and stablecoins such as USDT and USDC.
With TouristDigiPay, Thailand aims to reposition itself as a digitally forward travel destination, hoping that the integration of crypto will provide a modern, convenient financial alternative and give the tourism sector a much-needed lift.
