Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra Mulls Turning Thailand Into Crypto Testing Ground

Key Takeaways

• The former Thai Prime Minister has proposed a Bitcoin payment pilot project in Phuket focused on boosting tourism.
• The initiative has received support from Binance’s Gulf arm, with CEO Nirun Fuwattananukul praising its potential to benefit the digital asset sector.
• For the pilot to proceed, it must first gain approval from the Bank of Thailand.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, has put forward a proposal for a Bitcoin (BTC) payment pilot aimed at boosting the country’s tourism sector.

The project is designed to position Thailand as a leader in digital innovation, attracting tech-savvy tourists and strengthening its pro-crypto stance.

Ex-Thai PM Proposes Bitcoin Payment Pilot in Phuket

The former PM suggested that the Thai government consider using such a sandbox to gauge the feasibility of Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method.

Binance’s Gulf arm, headed by CEO Nirun Fuwattananukul, has expressed strong support for Shinawatra’s initiative.

Fuwattananukul highlighted that the proposal could be a pivotal moment for the digital asset sector, not just in Thailand but across the region.

He argued that implementing a Bitcoin sandbox would provide a controlled environment where regulators could assess the impacts of crypto payments, while businesses and consumers gain hands-on experience.

“Implementing a sandbox approach is a prudent strategy. It provides a controlled environment where regulatory authorities can closely monitor and assess the implications while businesses and consumers gain practical experience,” Fuwattananukul added.

Regulatory Hurdles: A Sandbox Awaiting Approval

While the proposal has garnered enthusiasm, there are significant regulatory hurdles to clear before the Bitcoin payment sandbox can become a reality.

Thailand has yet to approve the use of cryptocurrencies as a legal tender, and the government strictly regulates crypto for trading purposes only.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP) , and Stellar (XLM) are permitted for buying, selling, and trading, but they cannot be used as payment for goods and services.

In fact, the Bank of Thailand  has prohibited crypto payments, citing concerns about economic stability and the flow of monetary policy.

To move forward, Shinawatra’s Bitcoin pilot project will need the approval of the Bank of Thailand, which has established a regulatory sandbox to encourage innovation in digital payments and crypto technologies.

However, introducing cryptocurrencies as a payment method could raise concerns over the BoT’s ability to manage economic stability and monetary flow.

Fuwattananukul stressed that for the initiative to gain BoT approval, collaboration between regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers would be essential.

“Introducing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as a payment method could have implications for monetary flow and the Bank of Thailand’s ability to manage economic stability. This makes it crucial for the central bank to thoroughly study the risks and benefits of such a move,” he explained.

Thailand’s Pro-Crypto Stance Amid Global Competition

Despite the restrictions on crypto payments, Thailand remains one of the most crypto-friendly nations in Asia.

With over 15.43 million users in 2024, Thailand accounts for more than 21% of the country’s total population, according to Statista .

While other nations, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, continue to push forward with progressive crypto regulations, Thailand has shown a commitment to fostering innovation through comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

The success of Shinawatra’s proposed Bitcoin pilot could further solidify Thailand’s position as a leader in digital asset adoption, making it a key player in Asia’s competitive crypto market.