Can you use cryptocurrency in Thailand?

Yes, but with significant restrictions and complexities, especially for Russian citizens. In 2026, Thailand has an experimental program called TouristDigiPay, which allows legal use of cryptocurrency, but only for cashless payments, not for exchange into cash.

How it works in theory: You need to register on one of the approved platforms (e.g., Bitkub or Binance TH), complete verification, transfer cryptocurrency there, exchange it for special electronic Thai baht (THBS), and then pay for purchases via QR code at partner stores.

Why in practice this is difficult for tourists, especially Russians:

• Closed registration: Binance TH does not accept citizens of the Russian Federation. The Bitkub app may not launch on smartphones with a Russian "registration".
• Complex verification: Requires a personal visit to a center in Thailand with a passport and proof of residence address (rental agreement).
• Requires a local SIM card: Registration is only possible with a Thai phone number.
• Limits: Monthly payment limit is 50,000 baht for regular purchases and up to 500,000 baht for verified sellers.
• Cannot get cash: Officially, you cannot exchange crypto for baht in hand. Any unused balance can only be returned to crypto when closing the account.

All details about the TouristDigiPay program, as well as a full overview of traditional financial tools for a trip to Thailand, can be found in our article: Money in Thailand: currency, exchange rate, exchange, cards.

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