Fintech & Travel5 min read

Thailand's Digital Boom: From Beaches to Startups and Seamless Payments

December 21, 2025

Sawadee krup! Welcome to the Land of Smiles, a country that's rapidly evolving from a classic backpacker destination into a modern, digital powerhouse. Whether you're here for the stunning beaches of Phuket, the bustling streets of Bangkok, or the cool mountains of Chiang Mai, you'll notice a massive shift in how things work. Thailand is booming, and it's not just about tourism anymore—it's about innovation, startups, and a fintech revolution that's making life easier for everyone, including travelers like you.

Let's dive into what's happening on the ground.

Tourism is Back with a Bang!

After a quiet period, Thailand's tourism machine is firing on all cylinders again. In 2024, the country welcomed over 35 million international visitors, a fantastic recovery that's paving the way for even bigger numbers in 2025. The goal is to attract between 36 and 39 million visitors this year!

Wat Arun temple in Bangkok at sunset

Tourists from all over the globe are flocking back, with visitors from China, Malaysia, and India leading the charge. It's clear that Thailand's charm—its food, culture, and incredible sights—is as strong as ever.

A Hotbed for Startups and Digital Nomads

But it's not just holidaymakers getting in on the action. Thailand's economy is on a steady growth path, creating a fertile environment for a buzzing startup culture. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai have become major hubs for digital nomads and tech entrepreneurs.

Group of people working together in a co-working space

The government is actively pushing for a digital economy, and you can feel the energy in the co-working spaces dotted around these cities. From e-commerce to agritech, creative minds are building the future here.

The Fintech Revolution: Scanning Your Way Through Thailand

Now, here's the part that really changes the game for travelers: payments. Forget carrying wads of cash or worrying about card skimming. Thailand has gone all-in on digital payments, and it works incredibly well.

The star of the show is PromptPay. It's Thailand's national electronic payment system, and it's absolutely everywhere. From high-end malls in Bangkok to small street food vendors in Chiang Rai, you'll see the ubiquitous Thai QR code. It's fast, secure, and used by over 77 million registered users in the country. Locals use it for everything—paying bills, transferring money to friends, and buying their morning coffee.

Person scanning a QR code with a smartphone

But it's not just PromptPay. The fintech sector is booming with other popular players like Rabbit LINE Pay, which is integrated into the super-popular LINE messaging app, and ShopeePay, a favorite for e-commerce lovers. And for tourists from places like China, platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, making them feel right at home.

This seamless digital ecosystem is what makes traveling in Thailand so convenient today. The Bank of Thailand has been visionary, even establishing cross-border QR payment linkages with countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and recently, China.

Pay Like a Local with Remitran

This is where we come in. At Remitran, we saw a massive opportunity to bridge the gap for Indian travelers. You're used to the speed and simplicity of UPI back home, so why should you have to deal with currency exchange hassles or expensive international card fees when you travel?

We are thrilled to announce that Remitran is connecting Indian UPI directly with Thailand's PromptPay. This means you will be able to truly pay like a local.

Imagine this: You're at a vibrant night market, about to buy some delicious Pad Thai. Instead of fumbling for Baht notes, you simply open the Remitran app, scan the vendor's PromptPay QR code, enter the amount in THB, and confirm with your UPI PIN. That's it. Done.

  • Real-Time Exchange Rates: You get fair, live rates, so you always know what you're paying.
  • No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. No nasty surprises.
  • Simple & Secure: It's the UPI experience you know and trust, now available in Thailand.

We are working hard to bring this seamless experience to you and will be launching soon in Q1 2026. Get ready to travel smarter and pay simpler.

For more updates and content, keep an eye on our website: https://remitranglobal.com/

So, pack your bags, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready to experience the new, digital Thailand. We can't wait to be a part of your journey!

Sources

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