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Thailand to Pilot Crypto Payments in Phuket to Boost Tourism in 2025

Crypto Payments

Thailand launches a crypto payments pilot in Phuket, enabling tourists to use digital assets for purchases. Learn how this initiative boosts tourism and modernizes payments.

Crypto Payments Initiative Launched in Phuket

Thailand is set to launch a crypto payments pilot program in Phuket, enabling tourists to use digital assets for goods and services. Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, announced the initiative on Wednesday, January 8, during a seminar organized by the Thailand Marketing Association.

The program aims to position Thailand as a competitive player in the global economy by catering to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies among international travelers. Foreign tourists will register their bitcoin through Thai exchanges, complete identity verification, and use crypto to make purchases. A clearing house will convert bitcoin transactions into Thai baht, ensuring compliance with Thailand’s legal framework.

Legal Compliance and Adoption in Phuket

The Phuket trial will operate within Thailand’s current legal structure, requiring no amendments to existing laws. This pilot program is designed to offer seamless cashless transactions for tourists while bolstering Phuket’s appeal as a global destination.

A similar concept has already been embraced in Thailand’s “bitcoin town,” located in Kalasin’s Huai Phueng district. In this crypto-friendly community, over 80 residents accept payments via the Bitcoin Lightning app, enabling visitors and locals to transact without cash.

Driving Crypto Adoption in Thailand

Thailand’s initiative reflects a broader movement to integrate cryptocurrency into daily life. The program highlights the growing role of digital assets in modern commerce, particularly in tourism-dependent economies.

The pilot will test the feasibility of wider crypto adoption in Thailand and could expand to other regions if successful. The government’s strategic approach ensures compliance with legal frameworks while fostering innovation in financial transactions.

Stay updated on Thailand’s crypto initiatives and how digital assets are reshaping the tourism industry. Follow for the latest insights.