Pilot Cryptocurrency Project in Thailand: New Opportunities for Real Estate Investors
Pilot Cryptocurrency Project in Thailand: How It Will Affect the Real Estate Market
In August 2025, Thai authorities launched a pilot project that allows foreigners to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht through official platforms. The program will run for 18 months, until the end of 2026. At the initial stage, only limited amounts can be exchanged: up to USD 50,000 equivalent per person for the period. Supported currencies are Bitcoin, USDT, and USDC. The funds can be used to pay for goods, services, and real estate deposits. Direct purchases of property in crypto are not allowed, but for investors, this simplifies entry into the market—deposits and initial expenses can now be covered quickly and legally.
Context: Why the Government Launched the Experiment
The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand announced the crypto pilot in mid-August 2025. The main goal is to stimulate tourism and attract more foreign investment. According to Reuters (18.08.2025), the scheme works as follows: a tourist or investor deposits cryptocurrency on a licensed platform, receives baht at the market rate, and spends it in the country.
For Thailand, this is the first large-scale step toward the crypto industry. Previously, regulators took a strict stance and limited the use of digital currencies. Now a compromise has been made: real estate transactions must still go through banks in baht, but access to liquidity has become easier.
Why is this important? Tourism remains a key industry: in 2024, more than 30 million people visited the country, and the forecast for 2025 is even higher. The easier it is for guests to spend money, the more beneficial it is for the economy.
For Thailand, this is the first large-scale step toward the crypto industry. Previously, regulators took a strict stance and limited the use of digital currencies. Now a compromise has been made: real estate transactions must still go through banks in baht, but access to liquidity has become easier.
Why is this important? Tourism remains a key industry: in 2024, more than 30 million people visited the country, and the forecast for 2025 is even higher. The easier it is for guests to spend money, the more beneficial it is for the economy.
What Has Changed for Investors and Buyers
Previously, investors holding assets in cryptocurrency faced bureaucracy: they had to transfer dollars through international banks, pay fees of 2–3%, and wait 3–7 days for the transfer. Now the procedure is faster:
For the real estate market, this means more closed deals: clients who previously postponed decisions due to transfer difficulties can now lock in the price and reserve units faster.
- Legal exchange. All transactions go through officially registered platforms in Thailand.
- Lower fees. The exchange fee for converting crypto into baht is around 0.5–1%, compared to 2–3% via banks.
- Faster transactions. A property deposit can be paid within 24 hours.
- Reduced risks. No need to use unofficial exchangers or carry cash.
For the real estate market, this means more closed deals: clients who previously postponed decisions due to transfer difficulties can now lock in the price and reserve units faster.
In Simple Terms: How It Works in Practice
Imagine an investor arriving in Phuket. He has 2 Bitcoins in his wallet. One Bitcoin is worth USD 65,000.
Yes, the main amount for real estate still has to be transferred through a bank to be registered with the Land Department. But the important first step is now easier. At the deposit and initial expenses stage, many investors used to lose time and money.
- He deposits the cryptocurrency on a certified exchange in Thailand.
- The exchange converts the Bitcoins into baht at the current rate.
- The baht is credited to his Thai bank account or card.
- He uses this money to pay a deposit for an apartment or rent, food, transport, or furniture.
Yes, the main amount for real estate still has to be transferred through a bank to be registered with the Land Department. But the important first step is now easier. At the deposit and initial expenses stage, many investors used to lose time and money.
Example with Numbers (Illustration, Not an Offer)
Condo in a new development in Cherngtalay, Phuket. Price: THB 6,000,000.
Deposit: THB 100,000 (~USD 2,700).
The money saved is small, but the speed is significant: the developer can fix the price on the same day, and the unit doesn’t go to another buyer. If purchasing several units with deposits totaling THB 300,000–500,000, savings could reach USD 500–700. But the main value is the ability to transfer funds legally and quickly.
Deposit: THB 100,000 (~USD 2,700).
- Without the crypto pilot: SWIFT transfer, 2.5% bank fee → USD 67 in costs, plus 5 days waiting.
- With the crypto pilot: Exchange USDT to baht, 0.5% fee → USD 13 in costs, 1 day processing.
The money saved is small, but the speed is significant: the developer can fix the price on the same day, and the unit doesn’t go to another buyer. If purchasing several units with deposits totaling THB 300,000–500,000, savings could reach USD 500–700. But the main value is the ability to transfer funds legally and quickly.
FAQ
Can I pay for the entire property in cryptocurrency?
No. By law, real estate transactions must be conducted in baht and through a bank. However, crypto can be used to pay deposits and expenses, with the main amount brought in through banking channels.
Which currencies are available?
At launch — Bitcoin, USDT, and USDC. The list may expand in the future.
Are there limits?
Yes, approximately USD 50,000 equivalent per person for the pilot period. This is enough for tourist expenses and partial property payments.
Is it safe?
All operations are processed through licensed exchanges under the supervision of the Central Bank. This eliminates the risks of “grey” exchangers.
Why does this matter for the real estate market?
The easier it is for an investor to pay a deposit, the faster they commit to a purchase. Developers benefit as deals close faster and liquidity increases.
No. By law, real estate transactions must be conducted in baht and through a bank. However, crypto can be used to pay deposits and expenses, with the main amount brought in through banking channels.
Which currencies are available?
At launch — Bitcoin, USDT, and USDC. The list may expand in the future.
Are there limits?
Yes, approximately USD 50,000 equivalent per person for the pilot period. This is enough for tourist expenses and partial property payments.
Is it safe?
All operations are processed through licensed exchanges under the supervision of the Central Bank. This eliminates the risks of “grey” exchangers.
Why does this matter for the real estate market?
The easier it is for an investor to pay a deposit, the faster they commit to a purchase. Developers benefit as deals close faster and liquidity increases.
Conclusion
The crypto pilot is not a revolution, but a convenient tool that reduces friction at the entry point of a deal. For foreign investors, it provides a legal way to transfer funds, pay deposits, and cover expenses in baht without wasting time on banking bureaucracy. For the real estate market, it means more closed deals and a new audience—crypto investors looking for “friendly” jurisdictions.
In the long term, such initiatives increase Thailand’s attractiveness for real estate investment. With property prices in the south already growing by 5–6% annually, any measure that simplifies entry works in favor of capital appreciation.
In the long term, such initiatives increase Thailand’s attractiveness for real estate investment. With property prices in the south already growing by 5–6% annually, any measure that simplifies entry works in favor of capital appreciation.