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Crypto Tourism Revolution: Thailand Targets Foreign Tourist Market
Crypto Tourism Revolution – Thailand is set to revolutionize its tourism sector with an innovative cryptocurrency payment system called “TouristDigiPay,” allowing foreign visitors to convert digital assets into Thai baht for seamless spending across the country.
18-Month Regulatory Sandbox Program Begins Q4 2025
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on August 18 that this groundbreaking initiative will launch in the fourth quarter of 2025 and run for 18 months. The project represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance, Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon emphasized that the program integrates Thailand’s regulated digital asset trading system with the country’s e-money infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive oversight and security measures.
Strict Safeguards and Compliance Measures
The system includes robust protective measures for both tourists and merchants. Cryptocurrencies cannot be used directly for purchases – instead, merchants will receive payments in Thai baht through the conversion system. All transactions must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence requirements established by AMLO.
Additional safeguards include monthly spending limits and restrictions on direct cash withdrawals, ensuring responsible usage while maintaining financial security.
Tourism Industry Faces Significant Challenges
Thailand’s tourism sector has experienced considerable strain, with visitor numbers dropping from 17.7 million in the first half of 2024 to 16.8 million in 2025. The decline has been particularly sharp among Chinese tourists, falling 34%, while East Asian visitor numbers dropped 24%.
The World Tourism Institute reported that tourists are increasingly choosing alternative destinations like Japan, benefiting from its weaker yen, and Vietnam, offering more competitive pricing.
Global Crypto Tourism Trend Emerges
Thailand joins a growing movement of countries embracing cryptocurrency for tourism. The Kingdom of Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to enable crypto payments for tourist expenses. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin now accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and stablecoins like USDT and USDC for space tourism.
The United Arab Emirates recently signed an agreement with Crypto.com allowing passengers to pay for flights and in-flight purchases using digital currencies, highlighting the sector’s rapid evolution.
