Thailand has launched the TouristDigiPay sandbox, an 18-month initiative designed to allow foreign tourists to convert digital assets into baht for domestic spending. The program, spearheaded by the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bank of Thailand, aims to strengthen Thailand’s digital economy and position the country as a regional leader in digital finance.
The initiative provides a seamless and cashless payment method for tourists, including digital nomads and global crypto holders. Tourists convert their digital assets into baht and pay via the widely available PromptPay QR code system, enabling local transactions without exposing merchants or communities to cryptocurrency volatility.
Bitkub Online, Thailand’s leading digital asset exchange, is participating in the sandbox to facilitate rapid account opening, provide competitive exchange rates, and channel international digital assets into the domestic economy. The project enhances Thailand’s tourism competitiveness while supporting the growth of the digital asset industry.
In parallel, Kasikornbank (KBank) is testing Q Wallet, a blockchain-based digital wallet, which allows tourists to convert USDC into THBS, a programmable baht-pegged unit, and make payments via Thai QR codes at over 100 merchants. The pilot program runs until 31 December 2025 and enables tourists to transact without a local bank account, while expanding business opportunities for Thai merchants.
The TouristDigiPay sandbox and Q Wallet initiatives collectively demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to integrating digital assets into its tourism sector. By modernizing payment infrastructure, promoting innovation, and mitigating risks for local businesses, these initiatives are expected to accelerate Thailand’s ambition to become a regional digital financial hub and strengthen the country’s long-term digital economic ecosystem.
Thailand Enables Crypto Payments for Tourists_Bangkok Global Law