After several limited sandbox programmes, Thailand has rolled out a pilot scheme that allows foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for electronic payments nationwide.

The move is seen as an effort by the country to address dwindling tourist arrivals, particularly from mainland China.

The initiative also underscores Thailand’s bid to position itself as a regional digital asset hub, following years of cautious policy shifts that alternated between welcoming innovation and imposing some of the region’s strictest rules on domestic crypto use.

Under the new scheme called TouristDigiPay, tourists who wish to use crypto to pay for goods and services while they are visiting Thailand must open accounts with digital asset businesses that are regulated by the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) or Bank of Thailand-licensed e-money providers, which will then do strict customer due diligence checks.

Once approved, tourists can convert crypto into baht exclusively through licensed operators, and the funds can then be used for QR code payments and other electronic transactions, with local merchants receiving payment in the local currency.

Prior to TouristDigiPay’s nationwide roll out, a similar scheme was piloted on the foreigner-friendly island of Phuket. TouristDigiPay, which formally launched on August 18, is restricted to foreign visitors on temporary stays, and cash withdrawals are prohibited.

The new scheme builds on Thailand’s broader regulatory push to integrate digital assets into its financial system. Earlier in June, the country’s cabinet approved a five-year personal income tax exemption on capital gains from digital asset investments made through SEC-licensed platforms.

While Thailand still prohibits its citizens from using crypto for payments, Thais are allowed to hold and trade cryptocurrencies for investment purposes.