The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced the TouristDigiPay sandbox, a pilot program allowing foreign tourists to convert digital assets into Thai Baht for payments within Thailand. This initiative aims to support tourism and promote digital innovation. Regulations supporting the project took effect on September 24, 2025, and the SEC is now accepting public comments on the initiative.
Under the program, digital asset business operators and electronic money (e-money) service providers can apply to participate, enabling foreign visitors to pay for goods and services by exchanging digital assets for Thai Baht. Service implementation is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The SEC is seeking public feedback on the principles guiding the TouristDigiPay sandbox, emphasizing the use of digital assets to bolster economic growth and tourism. The regulations have been published in the Government Gazette and are effective from September 24, 2025.
Eligibility requirements for applicants include:
- Being licensed digital asset exchanges, brokers, or dealers capable of operating under the specified scope and criteria, with integration plans with e-money providers to facilitate transactions via QR codes nationwide, pending SEC approval.
- Serving only foreign tourists temporarily residing in Thailand, with strict KYC/CDD procedures aligned with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) regulations. Transactions are limited to licensed categories of digital asset exchanges.
- Complying with data collection and reporting rules, verifying the source of exchanged digital assets, having an exit strategy, and establishing performance evaluation plans to ensure effective participation and risk management.