Tourist DigiPay: Thailand Allows Tourists to Convert Crypto into Baht
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Thailand is launching Tourist DigiPay, an 18-month pilot program allowing international visitors to convert their cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for everyday spending. A regional first, introduced just in time for the 2025–2026 high season.
A New Way for Visitors to Pay in Thailand
As the BangkokPost reminds us, Tourist DigiPay offers a practical solution for travelers who prefer using digital assets—Bitcoin, Ether, or other approved cryptocurrencies—without relying on international bank cards or currency exchange services.
Demand for crypto-based payments has grown worldwide, and Thailand aims to position itself as a leading destination for digital-friendly travel.
Why Thailand Is Introducing This Program
The initiative aims to:
- simplify payments for foreign visitors,
- support financial and digital innovation,
- strengthen small local businesses using QR code payments,
- prevent illegal money flows with strict regulatory oversight.
The pilot officially begins in December 2025, with continuous monitoring until mid-2027.
What Is KYC and Why Is It Required?
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a global standard used by banks and financial institutions to verify a customer’s identity before allowing any financial operation.
It is essential for preventing fraud, identity theft, and suspicious transactions.
How KYC Works in Tourist DigiPay
Tourists will be asked to:
- scan their passport,
- take a live photo or selfie for identity matching,
- provide personal information,
- answer a few questions about the origin of their funds.
Without completing KYC, travelers cannot access or use the Tourist DigiPay wallets.
How Tourist DigiPay Works After Verification
Once approved, visitors can use two linked wallets:
- a digital asset wallet,
- a tourist e-money wallet for QR code payments in baht.
Licensed providers convert crypto into baht using regulated processes. Blockchain-based tools monitor all movements to detect suspicious activity.
Spending Limits and Restricted Sectors
To ensure safety and compliance, the program enforces clear limits:
- up to 500,000 baht per month for merchant payments,
- up to 50,000 baht for small vendors.
Some high-risk sectors are excluded, such as jewelry shops, antique dealers, casinos, and certain entertainment venues.
Unused funds must be reconverted into digital assets before departure, up to the initial amount exchanged.
Has Any Country Launched a Similar Program?
Several countries have tested partial or private crypto-payment systems:
- Japan allows crypto payments through private operators,
- Dubai and Qatar have experimented with visitor-oriented crypto gateways,
- the EU is testing digital identity frameworks.
But no country currently offers a national, government-supervised system that lets tourists convert crypto into the local currency through an official payment scheme.
Thailand is positioning itself as a global pioneer with this coordinated approach involving the central bank, the financial regulator, and the anti-money-laundering office.
Goals of the Pilot Program
Tourist DigiPay aims to:
- provide a convenient payment solution for travelers,
- reduce banking and exchange fees,
- support small businesses through QR payment tools,
- ensure transparent and secure financial flows.
FAQ
When does the Tourist DigiPay program start?
In December 2025, running for 18 months.
What is KYC?
A mandatory identity-verification process used worldwide to prevent fraud and illegal transactions.
Are crypto-to-baht conversions instant?
Yes, conversions are processed by licensed providers using blockchain tracking tools.
Can Tourist DigiPay be used everywhere in Thailand?
No. High-risk sectors such as jewelry shops and casinos are excluded.
What happens to unspent funds?
They must be reconverted into digital assets before leaving Thailand, up to the initial exchange amount.
