Thailand, China Launch Cross-Border QR Payments for Tourism Boost
Thailand and China have taken a significant step in financial integration. On 30 October 2025, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) launched a cross-border QR payment linkage, allowing Chinese visitors to use their local payment apps in Thailand. This move is set to boost tourism and trade between the two nations.
The project, a collaboration between the National ITMX, three major Chinese payment providers (Alipay, UnionPay, and WeChat Pay), and several Thai banks, connects the retail payment systems of both countries. Initially, six Thai banks participate: Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, Kasikornbank, ICBC (Thai), Siam Commercial Bank, and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives. More Thai banks, such as Bank of Ayudhya and Government Savings Bank, will join in the coming months.
Thailand's QR payment system is no stranger to regional integration. It already has similar connections with Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, and Hong Kong. This new linkage with China is expected to further enhance convenience and speed for Chinese visitors, who can now use their preferred payment methods in Thailand.
The BOT's initiative is a stride towards facilitating trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and China. With more Thai banks set to join, the system's coverage is poised to expand, making it even more beneficial for both countries.
