Thailand to pilot crypto payments in Phuket – A game changer for tourists

• Thailand launched a crypto payment pilot program in Phuket to boost digital transactions.
• Bitcoin adoption gains traction globally, as major economies and leading corporations take the lead.
  

The year 2025 has begun with a promising surge in global crypto adoption. Now, Thailand is making headlines for its progressive approach.

The nation is preparing to roll out a groundbreaking crypto payment pilot program in Phuket. This aims to integrate digital currencies into everyday transactions.

Thailand’s new crypto experiment

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced during a seminar hosted by the Marketing Association of Thailand that tourists can now register Bitcoin [BTC] via local exchanges using Thai baht and verify their identities before making purchases.

Notably, the pilot will operate entirely within existing legal frameworks, requiring no amendments to current laws. This showcases Thailand’s commitment to innovation within regulatory boundaries.

Remarking on the same, in a report from The Nation Thailand, Chunhavajira noted,

“We won’t do anything that is illegal.” 

How will it help tourists and the crypto market alike?

Pichai highlighted the potential by referencing refugees from the Russia-Ukraine conflict who could use BTC to buy property in Thailand, bypassing traditional hurdles in acquiring Thai baht.

Thailand’s efforts to integrate cryptocurrency align with its booming tourism recovery. According to Chunhavajira, the country is expected to welcome 39.8 million visitors in 2025, up from the projected 35–36 million in 2024.

Binance backs Thailand

Interestingly, crypto exchange Binance has identified Thailand as a vital market in its global expansion strategy. The exchange has credited the nation’s crypto-friendly regulations as a catalyst for mainstream adoption.

However, rising interest in digital assets has also highlighted security risks. This was evident in a recent incident.

Two Russian suspects allegedly robbed a compatriot of $20,000 in Phuket over unresolved crypto debt.

Despite such incidents, Thailand’s crypto community continues to grow. Initiatives like the “Bitcoin town” in Kalasin’s Huay Phueng district are thriving. Over 80 locals there accept Satoshi payments using the Bitcoin Lightning app.

Bitcoin adoption grows

Therefore, as Bitcoin adoption gains traction globally, major economies and leading corporations like BlackRock, MicroStrategy, and Metaplanet continue to strengthen their reserves. This reflects the growing confidence in digital assets.

Against this backdrop, countries like the Czech Republic, Canada, and Switzerland are also trying to pave the way for progressive crypto policies in the future.