Thailand Approves Crypto Payments for Tourists, Plans Financial Regulation Overhaul

Thailand’s government has taken a significant step toward cryptocurrency adoption by approving digital asset payments for tourists. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced the initiative at a Bangkok investment seminar on May 26, revealing a dual-track strategy: immediate crypto integration in tourism alongside broader financial regulatory reforms.

The payment system will allow visitors to spend cryptocurrency through credit card linkages, with automatic conversion to Thai baht at the merchant level. This design shields local businesses from crypto volatility while maintaining a familiar fiat transaction experience. Notably, vendors won’t need to handle cryptocurrencies directly—the infrastructure handles conversion seamlessly behind the scenes.