Illustration of digital payment for daily transactions. (Thailand Business News)
On January 3, Thailand’s tourism revenue has surpassed 1.7 trillion baht (US$53.9 billion), with foreign card spending reaching a record 327 billion baht (US$10.3 billion) as tourists increasingly shift away from cash. Growth is driven by frequent low-value digital payments under 500 baht (US$15.8), used for everyday purchases like groceries, convenience stores, and food. Despite this shift, cash still dominates overall transaction value due to limited digital payment acceptance among SMEs. Authorities and payment networks are now pushing to expand digital infrastructure to support more seamless tourism spending.
Business implications
This trend is positive for banks, card networks, fintechs, and payment providers, as rising “small-ticket” transactions increase transaction volumes and data-driven opportunities. For SMEs, adopting digital payments could unlock higher tourist spending and reduce friction, but those that remain cash-only risk losing customers. At a macro level, expanding digital acceptance supports more sustainable tourism growth and reinforces Thailand’s position as a cash-lite destination in Southeast Asia.
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