Thailand to Launch Crypto Payment Sandbox for Tourists Amid Slowing Visitor Numbers

Thailand to Test Crypto Payments for Tourists

The Thai government is preparing to launch a regulatory sandbox that will allow foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht and spend it through e-money providers.

The initiative, called TouristDigiPay, is scheduled to roll out Monday, according to local media outlet The Nation. It will enable visitors to use crypto for electronic payments, though safeguards will be in place — including monthly spending caps and a block on direct cash withdrawals.

Tourists must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and open accounts with both a licensed digital asset business and an e-money service provider overseen by Thailand’s Bank of Thailand and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is expected to release full details at the launch.

Crypto as a Tourism Booster

The sandbox comes as Thailand faces a decline in visitor arrivals. The World Tourism Institute reported that the country hosted 16.8 million tourists in the first half of 2025 — down from 17.7 million a year earlier.

Key markets such as China saw a steep drop, with visitor numbers falling 34% year-over-year. Tourists are instead flocking to Japan, benefiting from a weaker yen, and Vietnam, which offers lower costs.

“Thailand’s 5% tourism decline in 2025 underlines the urgent need for diversification, market repositioning, and enhanced visitor experiences,” the Institute said in a July 10 report.

Officials hope that by making it easier for crypto holders to spend, the country can attract tech-savvy travelers and restore momentum in its vital tourism sector.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is expected to release the full details of the TouristDigiPay on Monday. Source: Pichai Chunhavajira

Related: Thailand Eyes Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval Amid Crackdown on Polymarket

Thailand’s Crypto Tourism Experiments

Thailand has been cautiously exploring crypto integration in tourism:

• In January, officials announced a trial to let foreign tourists pay for goods and services with crypto in Phuket — though the pilot is still in development.

• On August 13, the SEC concluded a public consultation on using financial innovation and digital assets to boost tourism and economic growth.

• Chunhavajira first introduced TouristDigiPay during an investment seminar in May.

Global Trend: Crypto Payments in Tourism

Thailand is not alone in adopting crypto to attract visitors:

• Bhutan partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to enable crypto payments for travel expenses.

• Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space venture, partnered with Shift4 Payments to accept BTC, ETH, SOL, USDT, and USDC for spaceflight bookings.

• In July, the United Arab Emirates signed a deal with Crypto.com, allowing passengers to use crypto for flights and in-flight purchases.

Conclusion

Thailand’s TouristDigiPay sandbox highlights how nations are turning to digital assets to diversify tourism offerings and appeal to new demographics. If successful, the program could position Thailand as a regional leader in crypto-friendly travel, helping offset its current downturn in international arrivals.

Related: Tether Gold Launches in Thailand with Maxbit Exchange Listing