The Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the “Scan Thailand Pay Like A Local” campaign, promoting cross-border QR payments for tourists, enhancing digital transactions, convenience, and revenue for local businesses.
Key Points
- Event Overview: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and partners organized the “Scan Thailand Pay Like A Local” roadshow at The Old Siam Plaza in Bangkok on November 2. The campaign promotes cross-border QR payments for international tourists using mobile banking apps and digital wallets in Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, and Phra Nakhon.
- Digital Payments Growth: TAT Executive Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon highlighted the increasing popularity of digital payments among travelers, especially from East Asia. The initiative aims to facilitate transactions, boost spending, and support small businesses, building on earlier activities in Udon Thani and Asiatique The Riverfront.
- Bank Participation: Eight commercial banks joined the roadshow, offering free merchant QR registration and promotional benefits. Representatives from payment networks like Alipay, UnionPay, and WeChat Pay shared insights on transaction security. TAT anticipates that expanding this campaign will enhance payment convenience and increase tourism revenue for local communities.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with the Bank of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, financial institutions, and private-sector partners, organized the Scan Thailand Pay Like A Local roadshow at The Old Siam Plaza in Bangkok on November 2. The campaign encourages businesses in Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, and Phra Nakhon to accept cross-border QR payments, allowing international tourists to pay through mobile banking applications and digital wallets.
TAT Executive Director for the Central Region Kanokkittika Kritwutikon explained that digital payments are increasingly popular among travelers, especially those from East Asia and neighboring countries. The campaign makes transactions more convenient, encourages visitors to spend, and creates opportunities for small businesses. The initiative follows earlier activities in Udon Thani in March and at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok in June.
Eight commercial banks participated in the roadshow, providing free merchant QR registration, payment compatibility checks, and promotional benefits. Representatives from Alipay, UnionPay, WeChat Pay, and NETS also shared information on international payment networks and transaction security. The services support visitors from China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Laos, and other countries linked to Thailand’s cross-border payment network.
TAT expects the campaign’s expansion to improve payment convenience, encourage digital transactions, and generate additional tourism revenue for local businesses and communities.
Source : TAT Expands Cross-Border QR Payments to Bangkok’s Chinatown
