Thailand Launches Crypto-to-Baht Payment System for Tourists Starting August 18

Thailand's "TouristDigiPay" scheme, launching August 18, will allow foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht for QR code payments. The initiative operates under a regulatory sandbox with strict KYC/AML checks and monthly spending limits ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 baht.

Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira unveiled the program alongside officials from multiple government agencies, aiming to counter a tourism slowdown exacerbated by declining Chinese visitor numbers. Tourists must open accounts with SEC-regulated digital asset businesses and Bank of Thailand-approved e-money providers, undergoing rigorous due diligence checks.

The move signals Thailand's strategic embrace of digital asset infrastructure to revitalize its tourism economy while maintaining robust financial controls. No specific cryptocurrencies were named in the announcement, leaving the door open for broad crypto adoption within the program's framework.