Thailand plans to launch TouristDigiPay, a regulatory sandbox allowing foreign visitors to convert crypto into Thai baht for electronic payments, aiming to boost tourism. The initiative, set to go live Monday, requires tourists to undergo KYC checks and open accounts with regulated providers. Monthly spending limits and cash withdrawal blocks will be in place. Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will reveal the full details on Monday. Thailand’s tourism industry has seen a decline in visitors, with 16.8 million tourists in the first half of 2025 compared to 17.7 million the previous year. The drop in tourists from East Asia, especially China, has prompted the need for market repositioning and enhanced visitor experiences. Thailand’s SEC recently completed a public consultation on financial innovation and digital assets to support economic growth. The TouristDigiPay initiative was first introduced in May and follows a trial announced in January to allow foreign visitors to use crypto for payments in Phuket. Bhutan has also integrated crypto payments into its tourism infrastructure, while Blue Origin partnered with Shift4 Payments to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Stablecoins for outer space trips. The UAE signed an agreement with Crypto.com to allow flight payments using crypto.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Thailand Plans Crypto to Baht Payment Sandbox for Tourists