Thailand Launches Cross-Border QR Payment System For Tourists
Thailand has launched a cross-border QR payment system allowing tourists from East Asia to pay using their home country mobile apps and e-wallets at participating merchants nationwide. The "Pay Like a Local" initiative aims to boost conveni
Bangkok, 26 June 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is highlighting Thailand’s readiness for Cross-Border QR Payment across the tourism sector under the “Pay Like a Local” concept. The initiative connects merchant adoption with traveller awareness, making digital payments more convenient for foreign visitors while opening new opportunities for Thai businesses.
This effort is advanced by the Bank of Thailand in collaboration with eight participating banks: Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, ICBC Thai, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and CIMB Thai Bank; together with payment and switching partners National ITMX, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. TAT is promoting QR payment convenience at attractions, shops, restaurants, and tourism establishments nationwide through international marketing and publicity channels, particularly in East Asia.
Mrs. Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol, TAT Executive Director of the East Asia Region, said, “Changing traveller behaviour, particularly among visitors from East Asia and neighbouring markets where mobile payment and QR Payment are widely used in daily life, makes Cross-Border QR Payment increasingly important to the visitor experience. This cooperation marks another important step in advancing Thailand’s tourism industry, creating business opportunities for operators, and reinforcing the country’s image as a modern global destination for digital travellers from around the world.”
For visitors, “Pay Like a Local” allows use of supported mobile banking applications or e-wallets from their home markets to scan and pay at participating outlets across Thailand. The service reduces reliance on cash and enables more familiar, secure, and seamless day-to-day spending. It is currently available to users from China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, South Korea, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Hong Kong, with further expansion planned.
To introduce the initiative in a high-traffic setting, a Merchant Activation Roadshow is taking place this afternoon at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination in Bangkok. Held between Warehouses 8 and 9, the event engages shops, restaurants, and tourism operators in preparing to accept QR payments.
Participating merchants can learn about the system, assess their readiness, consult with partner banks, and register for QR merchant services on-site. The event also includes partner booths, promotions, a lucky draw for registered merchants, and an awareness walk by agencies and partners to encourage broader adoption.
The Bangkok activation follows a pilot in Udon Thani on 31 March 2026, which prepared local operators for an expected rise in Chinese visitors. The first phase included a seminar on QR Payment acceptance for 52 operators at Monthathip Hall Convention Centre and a mobile outreach unit supporting small businesses along Thong Yai Road and at UD Town.
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