Thailand Launches TouristDigiPay to Boost Crypto-Friendly Tourism

Thailand has rolled out a new initiative aimed at revitalizing its tourism industry by integrating cryptocurrency into visitor spending. Announced on August 18, 2025, the TouristDigiPay program allows foreign tourists to convert digital assets into Thai baht through a regulated system.

The scheme requires travelers to register with both a licensed digital asset provider and an e-money provider, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer standards. Converted funds are stored in a Tourist Wallet, which supports QR-code payments at local merchants. Withdrawals are restricted until the wallet is closed at the end of a visitor's stay.

To balance innovation with oversight, the program sets monthly transaction limits for merchants and prohibits use in high-risk sectors. Large merchants can receive up to 500,000 baht per month from these wallets, while smaller merchants are capped at 50,000 baht.

Authorities hope the initiative will attract crypto-savvy travelers and provide Thailand with a competitive edge as it seeks to recover from slower visitor inflows, particularly from East Asia. The system also positions the country as a testing ground for regulated digital finance in tourism.

By combining strict safeguards with new payment options, TouristDigiPay aims to strengthen Thailand's reputation as both a forward-looking tourism hub and a pioneer in adopting financial innovation.