Thailand Opens Crypto Floodgates: Tourists Can Now Pay in Bitcoin & More

Bangkok ditches baht barriers as digital nomads get a shiny new toy—just don't ask about the tax implications.

The Crypto Tourism Play

Thailand's beaches just got a blockchain upgrade. Starting this month, hotels, street vendors, and even tuk-tuk drivers can legally accept payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select altcoins—because nothing says 'vacation' like watching your lunch money swing 20% before dessert.

Regulators Ride the Wave

The Tourism Authority quietly fast-tracked the move after realizing crypto-spenders drop 3x more cash than credit card tourists (and apparently don't mind 15% 'network convenience fees'). Local exchanges are already offering QR payment integrations—because what's a tropical paradise without some DeFi middleware?

The Fine Print

Merchants must convert to fiat within 24 hours, naturally. Because when has any government actually wanted you to HODL?

Thailand to launch TouristDigiPay

Participants will need to undergo strict KYC and anti-money laundering checks before they’re allowed to convert their crypto into baht, according to the official release. Once approved, tourists will be able to spend via electronic payments, including QR codes. Meanwhile, they won’t be able to withdraw cash to limit financial crime.

The scheme is being introduced under a regulatory sandbox. This will give regulators the flexibility to test and monitor the system in real-world conditions. However, spending limits will be imposed in order to ensure financial stability and oversight. It added that the service is restricted only to foreign tourists staying temporarily in Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will officially unveil the program. He will be accompanied by senior officials from the Finance Ministry, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Crypto tourism in Sandbox

Earlier, Cryptopolitan reported that after a recent public consultation, Thailand’s SEC explored ways digital assets could support tourism and economic growth. The feedback window closed on August 13. Data shows that digital asset ownership surged 6.38% last year. It reached 617 million holders worldwide.

The global digital assets market recently broke through the $4 trillion market cap as Bitcoin price went on to hit a fresh all-time high (ATH) above $124K. BTC price is running up by 28% on a year-to-date basis. The biggest altcoin, Ethereum, came close to dismantling its ATH of $4890. However, it has outperformed Bitcoin on YTD gains with a 35% surge.

The stablecoin market has seen a massive surge in 2025, while US President Donald TRUMP signed a law to create a regulatory structure for dollar-pegged coins. The bill, known as the GENIUS Act, received 308 against 122 votes in the House of Representatives. The cumulative stablecoin market cap stood strong above $286 billion on Sunday morning with a trading volume of $115 million. Tether’s USDT is leading the race with 166.65 billion circulating supply.

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