Thailand crypto payments are about to become a reality for international travelers. According to statements by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand will soon allow tourists to make everyday purchases using cryptocurrency via platforms linked to their credit cards.
The plan, reported by Bangkok Post and The Nation, suggests a government-backed pilot will launch after final checks and infrastructure are complete. Vendors will continue to receive Thai baht, unaware that tourists are actually paying with crypto.
Thailand Crypto Payments to Be Seamless for Tourists
The Thai Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand are collaborating on this new initiative. Tourists will be able to link their crypto assets to credit cards and spend them while traveling in Thailand. For merchants, nothing changes — they receive fiat in baht, but the underlying transaction is powered by cryptocurrency.
“This system can be immediately adapted for Thailand, provided the necessary support infrastructure is in place,” said Chunhavajira.
This structure ensures smooth adoption while maintaining local currency stability for Thai businesses.
Legal Reform Ahead for Thailand’s Digital Finance
The Thailand crypto payments pilot is part of a broader financial modernization effort. The government plans to reform financial legislation to better integrate digital assets and traditional capital markets. Currently, these areas are governed by separate and sometimes conflicting laws.
The new direction would allow unified regulation across both crypto and traditional finance sectors, promoting long-term stability and innovation. Chunhavajira emphasized that outdated restrictions for institutional investors would also be revised as part of a wider capital market reform strategy.
Thailand to Launch $150M in Digital Investment Tokens
In a strong signal of commitment to crypto adoption, the Thai Ministry of Finance announced on May 13 that it will issue $150 million worth of digital investment tokens. These tokens will allow retail investors to purchase government bonds and participate more actively in the national capital market.
Thailand continues to demonstrate a forward-thinking stance on digital finance, blending crypto payments, legal modernization, and retail investment opportunities into one national policy push.