The Tourism Authority of Thailand promotes the “Pay Like a Local” initiative, enabling seamless cross-border QR payments for tourists via banks and partners, enhancing convenience, security, and digital adoption at key attractions.
Key Points
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the “Pay Like a Local” initiative to enhance cross-border QR payments for tourists. This effort, led by the Bank of Thailand with eight banks and partners like Alipay and WeChat Pay, aims to simplify digital payments at major tourist spots, focusing on East Asian visitors.
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TAT Executive Director Mrs. Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol emphasized adapting to mobile payment trends to improve the visitor experience. The system supports travelers from China, South Korea, and others, minimizing cash use and providing secure, familiar payment options.
- To promote merchant adoption, a Merchant Activation Roadshow is underway in Bangkok, offering local businesses consultations, promotions, and registration. This follows a pilot in Udon Thani preparing for increased Chinese tourist arrivals, aligning with Thailand’s vision of a tech-forward tourism industry.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has prominently introduced the “Pay Like a Local” initiative, a strategic program designed to bolster the country’s readiness for Cross-Border QR Payment systems within its tourism sector. Launched on 26 June 2026 in Bangkok, this initiative seeks to seamlessly merge merchant adoption and traveler awareness, thereby simplifying digital payment processes for international visitors. Spearheaded by the Bank of Thailand and executed in partnership with eight leading banks alongside major payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, the initiative primarily targets key tourist destinations and focuses significantly on attracting travelers from East Asian markets.
Mrs. Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol, TAT Executive Director for the East Asia Region, emphasized the critical need to align Thailand’s payment infrastructure with evolving traveler behaviors, particularly in markets where mobile payments are deeply entrenched. The Cross-Border QR Payment system caters to this demand by enabling tourists to leverage familiar payment mechanisms, significantly diminishing the reliance on cash while ensuring heightened transaction security. By offering support to users from countries such as China and South Korea, this approach not only elevates visitor convenience but also strategically positions Thailand as a forward-thinking, digitally-savvy global tourism destination.
To foster widespread merchant engagement, TAT has initiated a Merchant Activation Roadshow at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok. This campaign actively promotes QR payment adoption among local businesses by providing educational resources, one-on-one consultations, and registration assistance. The program also offers promotional incentives to participating merchants and guidance on integrating payment systems. Preceded by a successful pilot project in Udon Thani—designed to equip local operators for the anticipated surge in Chinese tourists—this roadshow aligns closely with Thailand’s broader vision of enhancing its tourism industry through cutting-edge digital innovations. Collectively, these efforts underscore Thailand’s commitment to providing a seamless, modern payment experience that augments both tourist satisfaction and merchant prosperity.
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