Thailand Launches Crypto-to-Baht Payment App for Foreign Tourists

• Thailand has rolled out a payment app that lets foreign tourists exchange USDT and USDC for the local currency for daily spending.
• Visitors can pay at shops and restaurants using QR codes without opening a local bank account in Thailand.
• WORPT expects to attract 200,000 users in its first year and generate 15 billion baht in tourist spending.

Thailand has officially launched WORPT, a payment app that lets foreign tourists convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht and use it for everyday purchases. Visitors can pay at shops, restaurants, and other businesses by scanning QR codes without opening a Thai bank account. The service supports major stablecoins, including Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), and aims to bring more tourist spending into the country.

WORPT held its formal launch event in Bangkok on November 12, following an earlier October 26 announcement confirming its availability. Thai financial technology companies Wipay and Waan Exchange (Waanx) developed the service under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) TouristDigiPay program.

Thailand gives approval for foreigners to swap crypto to local currency. pic.twitter.com/E2ZRJBYuFd

— Coinvo (@Coinvo) November 13, 2026

Thailand Lets Tourists Spend Crypto Through QR Payments

WORPT connects cryptocurrency holdings with Thailand’s existing payment network. Tourists can transfer supported stablecoins into the app, convert them into baht, and use the balance to pay businesses through Thai QR PromptPay. Merchants receive Thai baht directly, so they do not need to accept or manage cryptocurrency.

The system also removes the need for visitors to open local bank accounts just to make QR payments. Waanx handles cryptocurrency conversion, while Wipay provides the electronic payment services. The companies have also worked with Tether, The Mall Group, and Visa to expand the service’s payment options. WORPT currently supports USDT and USDC, with plans to add more digital assets. It also expects to introduce physical Visa prepaid cards in mid-November, followed by virtual cards in early 2027.

WORPT Targets 15 Billion Baht in Tourist Spending

The developers expect the service to attract more cryptocurrency holders visiting Thailand. According to a November 13 Bloomberg report, Wipay founder Pavin Jittiwongsamarn expects WORPT to reach about 200,000 users during its first year.

The company also estimates that it will spend about 15 billion baht ($440 million) for the 18-month trial period. WORPT is focused on visitors from South Korea, Japan, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The launch is a bad news for Thailand’s tourism industry. International tourism numbers are approaching a second consecutive year of annual decrease, and this year’s international tourism revenue is also less than last year’s.

WORPT hopes to encourage visitors who already own cryptocurrency to spend more at local businesses. However, the projected spending figure remains a company estimate rather than confirmed payment activity.

Thailand SEC Oversees Crypto Payment Program

WORPT operates under Thailand’s TouristDigiPay regulatory sandbox, which allows approved companies to test cryptocurrency conversion services for foreign visitors. The SEC officially introduced the program on September 25 last year to support tourism while maintaining financial safeguards. Participating companies must verify customers’ identities, monitor transactions, and follow anti-money laundering requirements.

Waanx has received SEC approval to participate in the program, while Wipay operates under the Bank of Thailand’s electronic money rules. The framework does not enable merchants to accept cryptocurrency directly. Rather, approved providers are allowed to convert the assets into baht prior to customer purchases. The initiative provides Thailand with a testing ground for crypto-payment without altering the payment methods for most businesses in the country.