Ministry weighs landmark plan to let travellers spend digital currencies via card-linked platforms
Thailand is preparing to embrace cryptocurrency as a mainstream payment option for international tourists, in a move that could position the country at the forefront of digital financial innovation in Southeast Asia.
Under a proposal currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand, visitors would be able to use cryptocurrency linked to their credit cards to make purchases across the country. The initiative is seen as a key step in Thailand’s broader efforts to modernise its financial infrastructure and promote the adoption of digital assets.
Once approved, the new system will allow tourists to spend from their crypto holdings via conventional credit card platforms. While transactions will be processed in digital currency, merchants will receive payments in Thai baht, effectively shielding them from the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies. In many cases, vendors may not even be aware that a crypto asset was used in the transaction.
This seamless integration aims to make digital currency spending as simple as traditional card use, providing greater flexibility and convenience for the increasing number of crypto-savvy travellers visiting Thailand each year. It also reflects a growing global trend where countries are reassessing their regulatory frameworks to accommodate emerging financial technologies.
The plan aligns with Thailand’s ambition to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking financial ecosystem. By linking cryptocurrency to the everyday tourist experience—whether through shopping, dining, or accommodation—the government hopes to boost tourism while fostering innovation in the payments sector.
Industry observers say the move could bring significant benefits to both travellers and local businesses. Tourists will gain a new level of freedom in how they manage and spend their funds, while merchants benefit from increased patronage without the need to directly engage with cryptocurrency infrastructure.
The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand are currently evaluating technical and regulatory aspects of the plan, including security protocols and anti-money laundering safeguards. If the proposal is greenlit, Thailand could become one of the first nations in Asia to facilitate large-scale crypto adoption in its tourism economy through this card-linked model.
As global interest in digital currencies continues to rise, Thailand’s initiative may serve as a model for other nations seeking to integrate cryptocurrency into real-world transactions—particularly in sectors where convenience, speed, and international interoperability are crucial.
