- How can Czech tourists take advantage of this?
- From August 18, Thailand is launching a system for converting cryptocurrencies. Baht for tourists through the TouristDigiPay program, aimed at supporting the recovery of tourism. The initiative operates within a regulatory sandbox with strict Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and monthly spending limits. The aim of cryptocurrencies is to prevent financial crime while boosting tourism revenues.
Thailand – Article content:
Government coalition aims to revive tourism through digital innovation
According to local media, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira presented the new program together with representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The launch of the program is a response to the significant slowdown in tourism this year, which is mainly due to a decline in the number of Chinese visitors.
The new system requires tourists to open accounts with digital asset companies regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and with electronic money providers supervised by the Bank of Thailand.
Participants must undergo strict customer due diligence and can only exchange digital assets for baht through licensed operators. The transferred funds can then be used for payments via QR codes and other electronic methods. The program prohibits direct cash withdrawals, and participation is limited exclusively to foreign tourists who are temporarily in Thailand.
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Regulatory framework as part of broader cryptocurrency integration strategy
Thailand’s payment system for tourists expands the regulatory framework established in 2025, which includes a five-year exemption from personal income tax on capital gains from digital assets, approved by the government in June.
The tax relief applies exclusively to transactions made through platforms licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and will be valid from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029.
This tax relief aims to strengthen Thailand’s position as a key hub for digital assets while generating over 1 billion baht in additional revenue through indirect economic activities.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cited investor protection and money laundering prevention as the main reasons for the intervention.
The global trend of crypto-tourism is gaining momentum
Thailand’s payment system for tourists follows similar initiatives in Asia. Bhutan took the lead this year, launching the world’s first national payment system for crypto-tourism in May.
Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to allow tourists to pay for travel-related expenses—from airline tickets and visa fees to hotel accommodations and purchases at street fruit stands—using more than 100 different cryptocurrencies.
Similarly, cryptocurrency payment options have recently been introduced on the French Riviera. Thanks to a partnership between Binance Pay and fintech company Lyzi, tourists and customers can now pay at more than 80 businesses across the region.
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Crypto payments for Czech travelers in Thailand
Czechs are heading to Thailand more and more often, and now they can try out cryptocurrency payments there. It works simply – upon arrival, you open an account with a licensed provider and convert your cryptocurrency into baht. Then you pay just like the locals, usually via QR codes.
The advantage is clear: no need to worry about cash or finding exchange offices. Coffee in Bangkok, a night by the sea, or a souvenir from the market can all be paid for directly from your mobile wallet.
The entire system is designed to be secure. It does not allow cash withdrawals and is intended for tourists only. For many Czech travelers, this may be a pleasant way to try out cryptocurrencies on vacation and see that they are not just an investment on the stock market, but also a practical tool for everyday life.
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