Thailand Introduces Crypto Payment Sandbox for Tourists

Thailand will launch the TouristDigiPay crypto sandbox on August 18, 2025, allowing tourists to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for electronic payments.

This initiative aims to boost tourism by integrating digital currency usage, potentially increasing crypto conversion volumes and setting regulatory precedents for other countries.

Thailand Unveils TouristDigiPay for Crypto Conversions

Thailand has introduced the TouristDigiPay regulatory sandbox, designed specifically for foreign tourists needing to convert cryptocurrency. The initiative is part of efforts to enrich the local tourism sector.

With the supervision of the Bank of Thailand and the SEC, this system enables tourists to convert crypto into baht for digital form without allowing direct on-chain spending.

This initiative aims to invigorate our tourism sector by providing foreign visitors a seamless avenue to utilize their cryptocurrency assets while ensuring compliance with our financial regulations. — Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister

Thailand Boosts Tourist Economy Via Digital Finance

The financial sector is now more equipped to handle crypto assets, showing Thailand’s readiness to embrace digital finance, fostering improved tourism figures during challenging economic times.

The non-existence of direct crypto transactions limits the initiative’s impact on local crypto activity but bolsters transactional efficiency by using baht rails.

UAE Model Highlights Potential Success for Thailand

Similar models, such as the UAE’s crypto payment channels, have been successful. These parallel examples provide a framework indicating potential success for Thailand’s project.

Analysis indicates that crypto conversion could increase inflows without affecting on-chain analytics significantly. Learning from past failures, TouristDigiPay enhances financial oversight.