Thailand is positioning itself as a global pioneer in crypto adoption with an ambitious initiative to allow tourists to use digital assets for domestic purchases through credit card integration.
As covered by Nation Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira unveiled the groundbreaking proposal during the ‘Dailynews Talk 2025: Revitalizing Stocks & Crypto in H2 2025’ event, signaling Thailand’s commitment to becoming a leading crypto-friendly destination.
The innovative system would enable international visitors to seamlessly link their crypto holdings to credit cards for spending throughout Thailand.
Under this model, merchants would receive payments in Thai baht as usual, often remaining unaware that customers utilized digital assets for the transaction. This frictionless approach eliminates the complexity typically associated with crypto payments while expanding spending options for tech-savvy travelers.
Finance Ministry Adapts Global Tech For Thailand
The Ministry of Finance is actively studying successful international models to adapt this technology for Thailand’s unique market conditions. Minister Pichai emphasized that the system would not involve Thailand’s domestic currency directly, maintaining monetary policy independence while embracing cryptocurrency innovation. Discussions with the Bank of Thailand are already underway to establish pilot programs before broader implementation across the tourism sector.
This crypto-tourism initiative represents more than a technological upgrade—it positions Thailand as a destination of choice for crypto holders worldwide. With crypto adoption accelerating globally, the country could capture significant market share in the lucrative crypto-tourism segment while differentiating itself from regional competitors.
Bridging Traditional And Digital Markets
Beyond tourism applications, Minister Pichai outlined comprehensive legislative reforms designed to integrate Thailand’s traditional capital markets with its emerging digital asset ecosystem. Currently, these sectors operate under separate regulatory frameworks—the Securities and Exchange Act governing traditional markets and the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses overseeing cryptocurrency activities.
The proposed amendments would create seamless connectivity between these previously siloed markets, enabling investors to transfer funds between traditional securities and digital assets with unprecedented ease. This regulatory modernization acknowledges evolving investment behaviors and positions Thailand ahead of many countries still grappling with fragmented crypto regulations.
The reform initiative extends to institutional investment policies, with the government reviewing restrictions that currently limit insurance funds and other institutional investors to government bond investments. These funds, worth hundreds of billions of baht, could potentially diversify into stocks and other assets under the proposed changes, injecting significant liquidity into Thailand’s capital markets.
Minister Pichai also highlighted the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s role in promoting long-term investment strategies, particularly encouraging larger companies to align with global trends in sustainability and green initiatives. For smaller companies with growth potential, new ministerial regulations are being developed to support their expansion into medium and large enterprises.
The broader vision reflects Thailand’s strategic positioning in the evolving global financial landscape. SCB10X CEO Kaweewut Temphuwapat reinforced this optimism, noting significant opportunities emerging from AI-crypto convergence and predicting increased deal flow from U.S. regulatory clarity into resilient Asian markets.
Thailand’s proactive regulatory approach contrasts sharply with more cautious jurisdictions, potentially attracting both cryptocurrency businesses and digital asset investors seeking clarity and innovation. The country’s robust payments infrastructure provides a solid foundation for implementing these advanced financial technologies.
