Bitcoin News Today: Thailand Launches TouristDigiPay to Convert Crypto to Baht for Tourism Spending

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 5:41 pm ET1min read
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Aime RobotAime Summary

- Thailand launches TouristDigiPay, enabling tourists to convert crypto to Thai baht via a regulated wallet.

- Managed by SEC and Bank of Thailand, it offers a 5-year tax holiday and 500-baht monthly limits.

- Supporting BTC/ETH, the system aims to boost tourism and position Thailand as a crypto innovation leader.

- Analysts suggest it could inspire global adoption of regulated crypto tourism frameworks.

Thailand has introduced a new digital payment system called TouristDigiPay, designed to allow international tourists to convert their cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for local spending. The initiative, set to officially launch on August 18, 2025, enables visitors to use a regulated digital wallet to convert various digital assets into fiat currency for QR code-based payments at participating merchants [1][2][3]. Managed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Thailand, the program operates within a regulatory

sandbox
framework and includes a five-year tax holiday on crypto profits for non-residents [2][4].

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira emphasized that the launch marks a significant step in integrating digital assets into the tourism sector and boosting economic growth [2]. The system introduces a monthly transaction limit of 500 Thai baht, ensuring controlled usage while promoting broader adoption of crypto among travelers [1][2]. This structured approach aims to reduce friction for tourists using digital assets, aligning with Thailand’s broader strategy to foster digital innovation in tourism [3][5].

The initiative supports the conversion of major cryptocurrencies such as

Bitcoin
(BTC) and
Ethereum
(ETH), offering greater flexibility and accessibility for international visitors [3][6]. By facilitating crypto-to-fiat transactions, the program addresses a key challenge—convertibility—and reinforces Thailand’s position as a testbed for regulated digital finance [1][4]. Analysts suggest that the effective rollout could position Thailand as a leader in government-supported crypto integration within tourism [4][6], potentially inspiring other nations to explore similar strategies [1][5].

TouristDigiPay also reflects a shift in how governments globally are engaging with cryptocurrencies, prioritizing real-world utility over speculative value [5][6]. As more tourists adopt the new system, it could lead to evolving regulatory frameworks and technological advancements in the crypto space. The long-term effects on local businesses, particularly those accepting digital payments, may establish industry benchmarks for global crypto adoption [4][6].

Sources:

[1] Thai Government Launches Crypto-to-Baht Scheme (https://www.nationthailand.com/business/digital-assets/40054107)

[2] Thailand to Launch 'TouristDigiPay' for Crypto to Baht (https://www.kucoin.com/news/flash/thailand-to-launch-touristdigipay-for-crypto-to-baht-conversion-on-august-18)

[3] Crypto Goes Tropical: Thailand Welcomes Tourist (https://bitcoinist.com/crypto-goes-tropical-thailand-welcomes-tourist-spending-in-bitcoin-and-more/)

[4] Thailand Launches TouristDigiPay Crypto Payment System (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-thailand-launches-touristdigipay-crypto-payment-system-international-travelers-2508/)

[5] Thailand pitches crypto-to-baht QR payments sandbox to (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thailand-pitches-crypto-baht-qr-092525038.html)

[6] Thailand Launches Tourist Crypto Wallet to Spend (https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/08/17/thailand-launches-tourist-crypto-wallet-to-spend-crypto-in-baht/)