Thailand to Pilot Crypto-Credit Card Integration for Tourists, Eyes Overhaul of Stock-Digital Asset Market Linkage
BANGKOK — Thailand is preparing to merge the digital asset economy with mainstream financial systems, starting with a trailblazing initiative to allow tourists to spend cryptocurrencies via credit cards, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced Monday.
Speaking at the ‘Dailynews Talk 2025: Revitalising Stocks & Crypto in H2 2025’ forum, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined a two-pronged strategy to boost Thailand’s capital markets and modernize financial infrastructure by bridging traditional stock markets with the digital asset ecosystem.
Crypto for Tourism Spending
The Ministry of Finance is studying international models that allow cryptocurrencies to be linked to credit cards, enabling seamless crypto payments for goods and services across Thailand. In this proposed system, vendors would receive payments in Thai baht, unaware of the crypto transaction behind the scenes.
“In some foreign countries, it’s already possible to use crypto for purchases via credit card. The vendor receives local currency as usual—this can be immediately adapted for Thailand,” Pichai said.
Talks are underway with the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to pilot the scheme before scaling it nationwide.
Connecting Stock and Crypto Markets
Minister Pichai also unveiled plans to reform laws governing the Securities and Exchange Act and the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses, aiming to unify the capital and digital asset markets.
This legal reform would allow fluid movement of investments between stocks and digital assets—currently hindered by separate regulatory frameworks—enabling modern, diversified portfolio strategies for Thai and foreign investors.
Institutional Investment Reform
The ministry is in discussions with institutional investors, including insurance and pension funds, to relax outdated regulations that restrict equity investments. Many of these funds, valued in the hundreds of billions of baht, are limited to government bonds despite having potential to support the broader economy through equities and innovation sectors.
Stock Market Outlook and Green Push
Despite global volatility, Minister Pichai painted a positive outlook for the Thai stock market, noting its resilience compared to regional peers. He emphasized the importance of fundamental stocks and urged large firms to realign with green and sustainable trends.
For smaller companies, the ministry plans to support scaling into medium and large enterprises, with a new ministerial regulation to be issued soon.
