Thailand is preparing to launch a groundbreaking initiative that will allow foreign tourists to spend cryptocurrency via credit card-linked platforms, as part of a broader push to modernize the country’s financial system and embrace digital assets.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira during an investment seminar in Bangkok on May 26, according to reports from Bangkok Post and The Nation.
Crypto Credit Cards for Seamless Tourist Spending
Under the proposed plan, tourists will be able to link their crypto wallets to credit cards, enabling purchases in Thailand while merchants receive Thai baht as usual—often unaware that crypto was used in the backend. The system avoids directly utilizing Thai baht, reducing risks to the local currency.
“This approach can be immediately adapted for Thailand, provided the supporting systems are in place,” said Pichai. The pilot program is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand, with a rollout expected once the necessary infrastructure and regulations are finalized.
Thailand Plans Unified Digital Asset and Capital Market Regulations
In addition to crypto spending for tourists, Thailand is pursuing sweeping reforms of its financial laws to better integrate traditional capital markets with digital assets. Currently, both are governed under separate acts, which Pichai said is outdated and inefficient.
The country is also reviewing investment restrictions for institutional investors, such as life insurers and large pension funds. New rules may open access to equities and private sector assets, rather than limiting them to government bonds.
Proposals are underway to reform rules around treasury stocks and regulate high-frequency trading for market fairness. A draft law is also being considered to give the Thai SEC broader enforcement powers to bring major cases directly to public prosecutors.
Thailand Pushes Forward With Tokenization and Stablecoin Adoption
Pichai reiterated support for digital asset innovation, highlighting “G-Tokens,” a blockchain-based initiative allowing fractional investment in Thai government bonds. This follows a May 13 announcement of $150 million in digital investment tokens aimed at retail investors.
Earlier this year, the Thai SEC approved stablecoins such as USDT and USDC for trading on regulated exchanges, and announced plans to launch a tokenized securities platform for institutional investors.