The Thai government is launching the TouristDigiPay initiative, allowing tourists to exchange cryptocurrencies for Thai baht and make electronic payments. This move aims to boost tourism by facilitating crypto transactions in the country.
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TouristDigiPay allows tourists to convert crypto to local currency.
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Eligible users must complete Know Your Customer checks with regulated providers.
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Thailand experienced a 24% drop in tourists from East Asia in 2025.
Discover how Thailand’s TouristDigiPay initiative allows tourists to use cryptocurrencies for payments, boosting tourism and enhancing visitor experiences.
What is the TouristDigiPay Initiative?
The TouristDigiPay initiative is a new scheme by the Thai government enabling tourists to exchange cryptocurrencies for Thai baht. This initiative aims to enhance the tourism experience by facilitating electronic payments through regulated e-money service providers.
How does TouristDigiPay work?
Tourists must undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and open accounts with a digital asset business and an e-money provider regulated by the Bank of Thailand. The service will have monthly spending limits and will block direct cash withdrawals to ensure security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can tourists use cryptocurrencies in Thailand?
Tourists can use cryptocurrencies by registering for the TouristDigiPay service, which allows them to convert crypto into Thai baht after completing necessary KYC checks.
What are the benefits of using TouristDigiPay?
TouristDigiPay simplifies transactions for visitors, making it easier to spend in Thailand without needing to convert cash at exchange counters.
Key Takeaways
- Boosting Tourism: TouristDigiPay aims to revitalize Thailand’s tourism sector.
- Regulatory Compliance: Users must comply with KYC regulations to participate.
- Market Adaptation: The initiative responds to declining tourist numbers from key markets.
Conclusion
The TouristDigiPay initiative represents Thailand’s commitment to integrating cryptocurrencies into its tourism framework, aiming to enhance visitor experiences and stimulate economic growth. As the country adapts to changing market dynamics, this initiative could pave the way for future innovations in tourism and digital finance.
Officials hope crypto can boost tourism
The TouristDigiPay scheme is an attempt to breathe new life into Thailand’s tourism industry, and a direct response to the slowdown in foreign visitors, especially from China, which has long been considered a cornerstone of the industry, The Nation reported.
Thailand welcomed around 16.8 million tourists in the first half of 2025, down from 17.7 million the same time last year, with a 24% drop in tourists from East Asia and a 34% fall in visitor numbers from China, think tank The World Tourism Institute said in a July 10 report.
The report said tourists are eyeing other countries in the region, such as Japan with its weaker Japanese yen making it more affordable, and the comparatively cheaper Vietnam.
“Thailand’s 5% tourism decline in 2025 underlines the urgent need for diversification, market repositioning, and enhanced visitor experiences to compete in a changing regional landscape,” the report said.
Thailand still experimenting with crypto
Using crypto to stimulate tourism has been under review by the Thai government, with the country’s SEC completing a public consultation on the use of financial innovation and digital assets to support economic and tourism growth on Aug. 13.
Chunhavajira first announced the TouristDigiPay initiative during an investment seminar in Bangkok on May 26.
It followed an announcement in January about a trial to allow foreign visitors to pay for goods and services using cryptocurrencies in Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. The trial is still in the works.
Countries and businesses adopting crypto to attract tourists
The Kingdom of Bhutan in South Asia has also taken steps to integrate crypto payments into its tourism infrastructure, such as the partnership between Binance Pay and local bank DK Bank to let users pay for their expenses using crypto.
Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin inked a deal with Shift4 Payments on Aug. 11, offering customers the option to pay for outer space trips in Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL) and Stablecoins such as USDT (USDT) and USDC (USDC).
Meanwhile, in July, the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement with Crypto.com to allow passengers to pay for flights and in-flight purchases using crypto.
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