revolution in crypto payments for tourism coming

With TouristDigiPay, tourists will finally be able to convert crypto into baht through regulated providers, without ever paying merchants directly in digital currencies. This innovation, launched by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Thai government, opens one of the first regulated sandboxes in global tourism, active from the fourth quarter of 2025 for 18 months.

The TouristDigiPay plan provides that foreign visitors can convert their main crypto (including Bitcoin and other authorized ones) into baht through authorized e-money services. This system will allow spending the local currency electronically at numerous merchants, thus bypassing currency barriers and reducing dependence on cash.

The SEC has confirmed the final regulatory framework: traders will receive only baht and never crypto directly. The system indeed integrates the already approved crypto trading platforms with the e-money network of the Bank of Thailand, extending the benefits of the digital ecosystem but with clear and binding rules.

The goal is to inject new liquidity and attract smart tourists, highly digitalized, after the decline recorded in the first six months of 2025: according to the World Tourism Institute, 16.8 million visitors arrived compared to 17.7 million the previous year. The situation is particularly critical from key markets: Chinese visitors decreased by 34%, East Asians by 24%.

What are the limits and security guarantees for those who use crypto?

The Thai experiment stands out for its risk management measures. The following are planned:

• Obligation of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence according to AMLO regulations
• Monthly limits on electronic expenses sustainable with converted crypto
• Prohibition of direct cash withdrawal via crypto
• Constant monitoring through digital platforms integrated between SEC, Ministry of Finance, AMLO, and Bank of Thailand

As a result, the money laundering risk remains low and the traceability of transactions high. No payment will ever occur directly in crypto between tourist and shop — it is always an intermediated and instant conversion into national fiat currency.

Why is Thailand betting on crypto to boost tourism?

The strategy responds to a concrete crisis: the competition from other Asian destinations (such as Japan and Vietnam) which are more affordable due to exchange rates, and the sharp decrease in flows from China. According to a note from July 10, 2025, tourists are choosing destinations like Japan, favored by the drop in the yen, or Vietnam.

With TouristDigiPay, Thailand aims to position itself as “crypto-friendly” and ready for the new wave of digitally-oriented travel. The SEC concluded a public consultation on August 13, 2025, on “digital financial innovations,” in view of the introduction and extension of the sandbox model.

How will crypto payment work in practice for tourists?

From the end of 2025, foreign travelers will be able to:

• Convert crypto into baht through authorized e-money platforms and partners
• Spend electronically the credit accumulated at hotels, restaurants, shops, and enabled services
• Benefit from clear spending limits, maximum security, and simplified KYC, without the need to carry cash or traditional cards

A previous step dates back to January 2025, when a trial in Phuket was announced to allow tourists to pay directly in crypto at the island’s venues: the development is now proceeding on a national scale.

Other examples: who is already using crypto for tourism?

The approach is not isolated. Bhutan has also signed a partnership between Binance Pay and the local bank DK Bank, facilitating crypto payments in the tourism sector. Also noteworthy is the collaboration mentioned on August 11, 2025, between Blue Origin and Shift4 Payments to allow customers to pay for space travel in Bitcoin.

The global trend is clear: crypto is not just speculation, but already a real tool to attract new travelers by offering smart, fast, secure payment methods.

What happens now? Outlook for Thailand and crypto-travel

With a regulated sandbox by SEC and institutional partners, Thailand is positioning itself to become the most advanced laboratory for integration between real tourism and crypto-economy in Southeast Asia. If the push for digitization of payments can attract new segments of tourists — particularly from high-tech markets like Korea, Singapore, and the United States — the experiment could set a precedent.

However, success will depend on ease of use and the real ability to offer added value compared to traditional currencies. Watch out: everything will be monitored and evaluated already in the first semester of testing, with enhancement of anti-fraud policy and a focus on transparency and customer care.

The future of crypto-travel in Thailand is being played out now: staying updated with official SEC news and closely following the crypto community can make the difference for those who want to seize the opportunities of the new digital season.