Thailand is launching the “TouristDigiPay” sandbox to help foreign tourists convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for spending, aiming to boost tourism by 10% and add over 175 billion baht to the economy. The 18-month trial begins in Q4 2025, involving regulated operators who convert digital assets into baht loaded into e-wallets for QR code payments at merchants.
The scheme is not a direct crypto payment system but a regulated exchange, with merchants subject to spending limits—up to 500,000 baht monthly for some and 50,000 baht for others—and strict AML and KYC measures. The initiative could expand if successful, possibly increasing transaction limits or allowing crypto use for high-value purchases. The project is a partnership between government agencies, overseen by the Bank of Thailand and SEC, and aims to innovate tourism payments securely.