Bitcoin News Today: Thailand Launches TouristDigiPay Crypto Payment System for International Travelers

Thailand has introduced a new cryptocurrency payment system designed specifically for international tourists, enabling them to use Bitcoin and other digital assets to pay for goods and services in the country. Dubbed TouristDigiPay, the initiative allows visitors to convert their cryptocurrencies into Thai baht through a regulated digital wallet, which then facilitates QR-based transactions at participating merchants [1]. The system aims to simplify the use of crypto for everyday travel expenses such as dining, shopping, and accommodation.

The program operates under a regulatory sandbox supervised by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ensuring compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards [2]. To use TouristDigiPay, tourists must open accounts with licensed digital asset and e-money providers, who issue a dedicated Tourist Wallet. This wallet not only converts cryptocurrencies into local currency but also supports linking with foreign debit and credit cards, offering flexibility for users [3].

To prevent abuse and maintain financial oversight, authorities have imposed monthly spending limits. Large merchants with card terminals are allowed to process up to 500,000 baht, while smaller businesses are capped at 50,000 baht [4]. These restrictions are intended to balance the promotion of digital finance with regulatory control and risk management.

The initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to revitalize its tourism industry, which remains a critical component of the national economy. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan noted that the program supports increased tourism-related spending while maintaining financial stability [5]. According to official data, the tourism sector generated $26.25 billion from 20 million visitors between January and August 2025 [6].

Thailand has also shown a growing openness to digital assets beyond the TouristDigiPay initiative. Stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USDC have been authorized for commercial use, and a five-year tax exemption on profits from digital asset sales was introduced, effective from January 2025 to December 2029 [7]. These measures reflect the government’s increasing acceptance of the crypto ecosystem as part of its economic development strategy.

By introducing TouristDigiPay, Thailand is positioning itself as one of the most crypto-friendly destinations in Asia. The initiative not only aligns with global trends in digital finance but also highlights the country’s commitment to innovation in the travel and payment sectors. It is expected to attract a new segment of crypto-conscious tourists who value modern, seamless payment solutions.

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Source:

[1] New Crypto Wallet Lets Tourists Pay in Thailand With Bitcoin – Coindoo (https://coindoo.com/new-crypto-wallet-lets-tourists-pay-in-thailand-with-bitcoin/)

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

[3] Thailand's TouristDigiPay: A New Era for Crypto Payments ... – OneSafe (https://www.onesafe.io/blog/thailand-touristdigipay-crypto-payments)

[4] Thailand Launches Crypto Payment Program for Foreign ... – BeInCrypto (https://beincrypto.com/thailand-embraces-crypto-tourism-growth-strategy/)

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

[6] Thailand wields crypto conversion to strengthen tourism – Crypto News (https://crypto.news/thailand-crypto-conversion-program-strengthen-tourism/)

[7] Thailand to Launch Cryptocurrency Exchange Program for ... – PANews (https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/fdcf2236-515c-435c-b903-3f8c736e895e)