Thailand Embraces Crypto-Linked Purchases for Tourists Amid Broad Financial Reforms
A major shift in Thailand’s tourism and finance is underway. Authorities plan to let international visitors pay with cryptocurrency-linked credit cards. The move, announced at an investment seminar in Bangkok by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, signals Thailand’s push to modernize its financial system and attract tech-savvy travelers. The government is also reviewing regulations for both traditional markets and digital assets to balance innovation with stability.
Thailand’s tourism sector remains a crucial economic pillar. Pre- and post-pandemic data show tourism contributing a significant share of GDP, underscoring its ongoing importance. By enabling crypto-linked cards for everyday purchases, merchants would receive baht in real time, while customers’ crypto origin remains largely invisible to vendors. This approach aims to improve convenience, reduce currency-exchange friction, and appeal to visitors from East Asia, Europe, and North America who are increasingly comfortable with digital payments.