Thailand to Permit Crypto Payments for Tourists, Plans Regulatory Overhaul

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Thailand is set to allow tourists to spend cryptocurrency through credit card-linked platforms as part of a wider push to modernize its financial system and adopt digital assets.

The initiative, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira at a Bangkok investment seminar on May 26, is currently under review by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand. Once implemented, travelers will be able to connect their crypto holdings to credit cards for local transactions.

Under the system, merchants will receive payments in Thai baht as usual, often without realizing cryptocurrency was used. The pilot program is expected to launch after necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are finalized.

“This model can be quickly implemented in Thailand, assuming the supporting systems are ready,” Pichai said, emphasizing that the approach avoids direct use of the baht, minimizing risks to the domestic currency.