Thailand Launches Crypto-to-Baht “Touristdigipay” for 40M Visitors
The Thai government is launching Touristdigipay on August 18 to revitalize its tourism industry through cryptocurrency...
Quick overview
- The Thai government is launching Touristdigipay on August 18 to enhance tourism by allowing foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into Thai Baht.
- This initiative aims to revitalize the tourism sector, which has struggled post-pandemic, particularly due to a decline in Chinese visitors.
- Touristdigipay operates within a regulatory framework, requiring travelers to complete KYC checks and use licensed digital asset services for conversions.
- The program seeks to position Thailand as a digital finance hub while ensuring consumer protection and compliance with financial regulations.
The Thai government is launching Touristdigipay on August 18 to revitalize its tourism industry through cryptocurrency integration. Foreign visitors will be able to convert their digital assets into Thai Baht which can be used for daily expenses such as shopping, dining and travel.
Tourism is a major driver of Thailand’s economy but has struggled to regain pre-pandemic momentum. A significant drop in arrivals from China – the country’s largest market – has prompted policymakers to look for innovative ways to boost spending.
How it works
Touristdigipay does not allow direct cryptocurrency payments. Instead it’s a conversion system within a regulatory sandbox supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
Foreign travelers who want to use the service must:
- Open accounts with a licensed digital asset business and an e-money provider.
- Complete strict KYC and CDD checks (Know Your Customer and Customer Due Diligence).
- Convert crypto holdings into Thai Baht which can be spent electronically via QR code scanning.
⚡️ Thailand launches crypto-to-baht system
Thailand’s new “TouristDigiPay” lets visitors convert crypto to baht via QR wallets under strict KYC rules. Spending is capped, cash withdrawals blocked, and high-risk merchants excluded.#CryptoNews #Thailand #Tourism
— HstockORG (@HstockORG) August 18, 2025
This ensures consumer protection and prevents unregulated crypto use in the local economy. It also integrates with Thailand’s widely used QR payment infrastructure which is already popular among locals.
Boosting Tourism through Innovation
The launch of Touristdigipay is part of Thailand’s effort to position itself as a hub for digital finance and tourism. With over 40 million visitors before the pandemic, the government hopes this service will make it more convenient for tech-savvy travelers while complying with financial regulations.
The program also shows Thailand’s balancing act: embracing the economic benefits of cryptocurrency while maintaining regulatory safeguards to prevent financial instability. Officials see this as a test case that will shape future policy on digital asset adoption in tourism and beyond.
By reducing friction for foreign visitors and tapping into the growing pool of crypto holders worldwide, Touristdigipay may give Thailand an edge at a time when regional rivals are also vying for tourist spending
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