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How to pay in Thailand with cryptocurrencies: baht conversion and QR payments (from August 18, 2025)

Pay in Thailand with cryptocurrency: On Monday, August 18, 2025, Thailand launches the “TouristDigiPay” pilot program, which allows foreign tourists to quickly convert crypto into baht (THB) and pay electronically at merchants, under a regulatory sandbox with strict KYC/AML rules, monthly spending limits and no direct cash withdrawals. The aim: simpler payments for visitors and support for the tourism sector.

Pay in Thailand with cryptocurrencies
Pay in Thailand with cryptocurrencies
Cuprins
1. Why does it matter: does QR dominate payments in Thailand?
2. What is Thai QR Payment
3. How to pay:
4. Pay in Thailand with cryptocurrency: How you can do it with the program launched today

Why does it matter: does QR dominate payments in Thailand?

The most widespread payment method at stalls, restaurants and shops is Thai QR Payment / PromptPay, which allows instant transfers in THB with low acceptance costs for merchants.

What is Thai QR Payment

It’s called Thai QR Payment (also known as PromptPay QR): a national QR code standard created under the auspices of the Bank of Thailand and the banking industry. Basically, you pay by scanning a QR in your mobile banking/e-wallet app, and the money instantly moves to the PromptPay infrastructure.

Standard & technical

Aligned to EMVCo specifications for QR (internationally interoperable). There are static codes (you enter the amount) and dynamic codes (the amount is in the QR). In practice, companies often use Tag 30 (dynamic, with references for reconciliation) and individuals Tag 29.

Who accepts it

All major Thai banks and local wallets (e.g. TrueMoney, LINE Pay, etc.) can process Thai QR payments; look for the “PromptPay/Thai QR” sign at the checkout.

How to pay:

  1. The merchant displays the QR (static or dynamic).

  2. You open your banking/e-wallet app and press “Scan”.

  3. Verify the amount/beneficiary → confirm → get instant confirmation. (Payment is a THB transfer, not “crypto to merchant”).

    Tourists: what you can use

    Normally you need a Thai app (local bank/e-money account).
    But there are more and more “cross-border QR” links: in certain combinations, you can scan Thai QR with your home country’s app and pay directly in baht – participants only:

    • Malaysia ↔ Thailand (DuitNow ↔ Thai QR) – operational.

    • Indonesia ↔ Thailand (QRIS ↔ Thai QR) – in production/expansion.

    • Hong Kong ↔ Thailand (FPS ↔ Thai QR) – launched.

    • Laos ↔ Thailand – launched (Laos users can scan Thai QR in Thailand).

    • Singapore – there is a PromptPay-PayNow link for transfers and a QR link with NETS which is gradually becoming available.

    In all “cross-border” cases, it only works with participating merchants and apps, and the fees/FX depend on your bank/portal.

    Why it’s so widespread

    Simple, cheap, instant for small and large merchants; single standard prevents fragmentation and reduces acceptance costs.

    Pay in Thailand with cryptocurrency: How you can do it with the program launched today

    1. Crypto → THB conversion at a licensed digital asset operator (regulated by SEC).

    2. Payment in THB from an e-money wallet (regulated by Bank of Thailand) to participating merchants, usually via QR. Merchants only charge baht.

    3. Monthly caps apply and no cash withdrawals are allowed from the conversion-fed balance.

    Why you need two accounts + local impact

    Opening a local account on both a licensed digital asset platform and an e-money provider is required. Beyond giving tourists easy access to the national QR payments network, the scheme also aims to support local operators and compliance on separate licenses (SEC for conversion, Bank of Thailand for payments).