WORPT allows foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into baht and use it to pay in shops and restaurants by scanning barcodes, which are widely used in the country for payments, without the need to open an account with a Thai bank, according to profinance.ru.
The app was developed by Wipay Co. and Waan Exchange Co., founded by Chaval Chiaravanon of the Thai billionaire Chiaravanont family. It operates as part of TouristDigiPay — a regulatory pilot project launched by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand.
Similar payment services for foreign visitors, using cryptocurrency as a source of funds, were launched in Bhutan and Brazil in 2025.
The launch comes against a backdrop where the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand is set to fall for the second year running, whilst revenue from international tourism is also declining. Tourism is one of the main drivers of the economy, and the government is increasingly focusing on attracting tourists who are willing to spend more.
According to Wipay founder Pavin Chittivongsamarn, WORPT is targeting cryptocurrency holders from South Korea, Japan, the Middle East and South-East Asia. The company aims to attract 200,000 users in the first year and forecasts expenditure of 15 billion baht ($440 million) over the 18-month pilot project.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
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