The Thai SEC has launched a Regulatory Sandbox for encryption, allowing foreign tourists to exchange digital assets for consumption.

[Golden Finance] The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Thailand plan to launch a regulatory sandbox for foreign tourists, allowing them to exchange digital assets for Thai Baht through licensed platforms and use them through locally regulated electronic payment services. The plan is currently in the public hearing stage, with an initial service period of up to 18 months, prohibiting direct encryption payments, which must be converted into fiat before transactions.

The policy aims to enhance the competitiveness of tourism through the use of encryption financial technology, and is expected to be implemented with the participation of compliant institutions including a certain trading platform. However, the Thailand Tourism Council (TCT) warns against a hasty rollout, calling for strengthened anti-money laundering measures and improved overall ecosystem readiness.