Main Points:
- Thailand launches TouristDigiPay, an 18-month regulatory sandbox allowing crypto-to-baht conversion for tourists.
- Four regulatory bodies (SEC, BOT, AMLO, Ministry of Tourism) oversee the initiative with strict KYC/AML safeguards.
- Spending caps: up to $15,000 per month for large merchants and $1,500 for small vendors; no cash withdrawals allowed.
- Aims to revive tourism by targeting crypto users and reducing payment frictions and fees.
- Tourists register via licensed crypto exchanges and e‑money providers; merchants receive baht via PromptPay QR.
- The scheme complements existing tourist e‑wallets and may pave the way for broader blockchain utility.
Background and Objectives
Thailand is piloting a new payment initiative called TouristDigiPay to help foreign visitors use cryptocurrencies for local spending. Launched in August 2025 as an 18‑month sandbox, the scheme is a collaborative effort involving the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bank of Thailand, Anti‑Money Laundering Office, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Tourism.
Tourism in Thailand has taken a hit, with arrivals this year forecast at 33–35 million, well below pre‑pandemic levels of nearly 40 million—prompting the need for innovation in attracting high‑value visitors.
How TouristDigiPay Works
- Registration and Setup
Tourists must open accounts with both an SEC‑licensed digital asset provider and a Bank of Thailand‑licensed e‑money provider. Strict Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) and Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) checks, including passport verification, are mandatory. - Crypto-to-Baht Conversion and Usage
Once registered, travelers transfer crypto, which is automatically converted into Thai baht. They use QR payments (PromptPay) accepted widely across Thailand. Merchants never handle crypto—they receive baht seamlessly. - Spending Caps and Restrictions
- Large merchants (with card terminals): up to 500,000 baht (~$15,000) per tourist per month
- Small vendors: up to 50,000 baht (~$1,500) per month
- No cash withdrawals are allowed; accounts can only be closed via settlement of remaining balance.
- Sandbox Oversight
The program operates under a regulatory sandbox, allowing authorities to monitor real‑world usage, evaluate risks, and consider scalability based on outcomes.
Benefits and Implications
- Streamlined Payments: Tourists avoid high credit card fees and cumbersome cash exchanges; merchants benefit from faster settlement and no foreign card processing.
- Targeting a Growing Tourist Segment: Digital nomads and tech‑savvy travelers who hold cryptocurrencies become easier to serve. Crypto ownership is rising globally, and Thailand seeks to appeal to this demographic.
- Regulatory Caution with Flexibility: The sandbox allows Thailand to manage risks such as money laundering, while exploring blockchain’s practical use in tourism.
Broader Context and Complementary Innovations
Prior to TouristDigiPay, Thailand already introduced TAGTHAi EASY PAY, a tourist e-wallet linked to Kasikorn Bank’s prepaid PAY&TOUR card. It enables QR-based baht payments without crypto, offering convenience and accessibility to tourists.
TouristDigiPay builds on this foundation by adding crypto conversion, expanding payment options, and reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to become a digital finance-friendly tourism hub.Suggested Infographic Insertion Point: Insert immediately after this section an infographic (like the one above) to visually illustrate the flow: “Tourist registers → Upload crypto → Conversion to baht → QR payment → Merchant receives baht”, together with spending caps and regulatory bodies involved.
Summary
Thailand’s TouristDigiPay is a bold, regulated experiment to integrate crypto-to-fiat conversion into tourism payments. Operating within a strict sandbox, it balances innovation with security by enforcing KYC, AML, and spending limits. By simplifying payments for crypto users and easing merchant acceptance, the program may help revive tourism and set a precedent for blockchain’s practical use. It complements existing e-wallets and places Thailand at the frontier of digital finance in travel.
