Thailand Launches 18-Month Crypto-to-Baht Pilot for Tourists

Thailand has unveiled a new pilot program designed to make spending easier for international travelers holding digital assets. The initiative, branded TouristDigiPay, allows foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for everyday purchases, with the scheme running under an 18-month regulatory sandbox.

The program is being jointly supervised by the Ministry of Finance, the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Its design ensures that tourists can use regulated platforms to exchange crypto into local currency, which can then be spent across participating merchants nationwide.

Authorities emphasized that the project aims to accommodate shifting traveler behavior, where electronic payments and interest in digital assets are on the rise. However, officials clarified that the system does not make crypto a direct legal tender in Thailand. Participants will face strict compliance measures, including full KYC checks and adherence to anti-money laundering regulations.

The pilot follows Thailand’s growing push to position itself as a crypto-friendly hub. In July, the government approved a major tax incentive, exempting crypto transactions from capital gains tax until December 31, 2029. With TouristDigiPay, Thailand hopes to blend regulatory safeguards with financial innovation, using crypto to strengthen its tourism sector while maintaining economic stability.