Making Travel Seamless with Crypto
Thailand is gearing up to become a frontrunner in crypto-powered tourism. On May 26, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced a bold initiative that will allow foreign visitors to spend cryptocurrencies through platforms linked to credit cards. This forward-thinking move aims to attract tech-savvy tourists while modernizing the country’s financial infrastructure.
The new system enables travelers to use their crypto holdings for everyday purchases in Thailand. By linking digital wallets to credit cards, tourists can pay for goods and services with crypto, while local merchants receive payments in Thai baht. Most vendors won’t even know a crypto transaction took place, which minimizes volatility risks for the local currency. If infrastructure and regulations align swiftly, this system could launch soon.
Rewriting Financial Rules for the Digital Era
Thailand’s crypto initiative is part of a larger strategy to revamp its financial system. The government plans to unify regulations for traditional securities and digital assets. Currently, the Securities and Exchange Act and the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses govern these areas separately. A unified legal framework would offer investors more flexibility and simplify compliance.
Additionally, authorities are reconsidering restrictions that confine institutional investors—such as life insurance companies—to primarily government bonds. New rules could allow them to explore broader investment opportunities, including equities and private sector assets.
Digital Assets on the Rise
Minister Pichai emphasized the need to embrace digital assets responsibly. He highlighted the upcoming “G-Tokens”—blockchain-based tokens that let retail investors purchase fractional units of government bonds. This innovation aims to improve returns for savers and boost global interest in Thai sovereign debt.
Earlier in May, the Ministry of Finance announced plans to issue $150 million in digital investment tokens. This initiative, targeted at retail investors, builds on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s earlier proposal to introduce a tokenized securities trading platform for institutional investors.
Thailand’s approach to integrating crypto into tourism and financial services signals its commitment to economic innovation. By blending blockchain technology with practical use cases, the country is setting the stage to become a leading destination for both travelers and investors.
