The government of Thailand launches a new program called TouristDigiPay, which will allow foreign tourists to pay in the country by converting cryptocurrency into Thai baht. The initiative will be launched within 18 months from Q4 2025 and is designed to support tourism amid a decline in travel, especially by Chinese citizens.
The project presentation was conducted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira. The event also included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (Thai SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
For Temporary Visitors Only
The program applies exclusively to foreigners temporarily staying in Thailand. Conditions require participants to open an account with a licensed crypto provider and register with an electronic money provider. These companies must be regulated by the SEC and the Bank of Thailand, respectively.
All transactions will take place inside a regulated sandbox. Direct payments in digital assets will not be allowed - all funds will first be converted into baht. At the same time, identity verification (KYC) and customer due diligence (CDD) procedures remain mandatory in line with AMLO regulations.
Regulators Prepared in Advance
The idea of integrating cryptocurrency into the tourism sector had been under discussion by the authorities for several months. On August 13, the Securities Commission completed a public consultation on the use of digital assets and innovations in the economy, including tourism.
Income Tax Exemption for Crypto Transactions
Earlier, in June 2025, the Thai cabinet approved tax incentives for individuals on digital asset transactions. According to the resolution, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029, citizens of the country are exempt from income tax on operations conducted through licensed platforms supervised by the SEC.
Blocking of Foreign Crypto Exchanges
Also in June, the Thai SEC began blocking access to several foreign crypto exchanges that did not hold a local license. Five platforms were restricted, including OKX, CoinEx, and Bybit. The measure is aimed at tightening control over the crypto market and protecting users.
Tether Recognized as Approved Payment Asset
On March 16, 2025, the Thai Securities Commission officially included the stablecoin Tether (USDT) in the list of approved digital assets. From now on, USDT can circulate freely on regulated platforms and be used for payments in the country. The decision was part of a new crypto market regulation policy developed with the participation of the industry and the general public.
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