Thailand will launch a pilot program in 2025, enabling tourists to use BTC for transactions in Phuket. This initiative, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, aims to offer alternative payment options for tourists. The program will operate within the existing legal framework without requiring any amendments to current laws.

Tourists will register BTC through a Thai exchange and verify their identities to participate in this initiative. The program will convert BTC into Thai baht using a clearinghouse, facilitating easier digital transactions for foreign visitors in tourism-focused cities. This is seen as a step towards integrating digital currencies into everyday commerce in Thailand.

The initiative aims to attract tourists to Thailand by offering them a new way to handle transactions while remaining competitive in the global market. The program reflects a forward-thinking approach in embracing digital assets without disrupting the current legal landscape, positioning Thailand as a progressive player in the digital financial ecosystem.