WORPT Unlocks Global Purchasing Power for Thailand’s Economy
Bangkok, Thailand, November 13, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / WORPT officially launches its application under the Tourist DigiPay Regulatory Sandbox, connecting cryptocurrency-to-Thai baht conversion with everyday spending in Thailand via Thai QR PromptPay. The application aims to expand its user base among international tourists, with a projected 150,000 active users and approximately THB 15 billion in digital asset purchasing power converted into Thai baht and channelled into Thailand’s tourism sector and wider economy. It is also expected to create opportunities to distribute approximately THB 1.95 billion in income to local businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the 18-month participation period.
The Tourist DigiPay Regulatory Sandbox, overseen by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is designed to allow digital asset business operators to test cryptocurrency-to-Thai baht conversion services over an 18-month period, enabling international tourists to use the converted funds to pay for goods and services in Thailand through collaboration with licensed electronic money (e-Money) service providers, subject to appropriate regulatory requirements and safeguards. The initiative aims to promote the practical application of financial technology and innovation in the real economy, create additional income opportunities for Thai businesses and support the growth of Thailand’s tourism industry. At the same time, it places importance on service standards, transaction monitoring and risk prevention measures relating to digital assets to ensure that participating services operate within the prescribed regulatory framework.
The launch of the WORPT application aligns with the objectives of the Tourist DigiPay Regulatory Sandbox under the SEC’s regulatory framework, which seeks to channel purchasing power from digital assets into the real economy through conversion into Thai baht. Thailand’s Ministry of Finance has estimated that, if approximately 35 million international tourists spend an additional THB 5,000 per person, the initiative could generate approximately THB 170–175 billion in economic circulation, helping distribute income to businesses and tourism operators across Thailand.
WORPT was jointly developed by Waan Exchange Co., Ltd. (Waanx), a licensed Digital Asset Exchange and Digital Asset Broker regulated by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Wipay Co., Ltd. (Wipay), a licensed electronic money (e-Money) service provider regulated by the Bank of Thailand (BOT). The collaboration brings together expertise in digital assets and payment systems to develop a service that connects the entire process, from converting cryptocurrencies into Thai baht to making payments for goods and services in Thailand.
Waan Exchange Co., Ltd. (Waanx) received approval from the SEC on 25 September 2026 to participate in the Tourist DigiPay Regulatory Sandbox for a period of 18 months. The initiative allows digital asset business operators to test digital asset-to-Thai baht conversion services, enabling international tourists to use the converted funds for payments in Thailand through collaboration with e-Money service providers. The framework places importance on service standards, transaction monitoring and measures to prevent risks associated with digital assets, in accordance with the prescribed regulatory requirements and safeguards.
This Sandbox project brings together local licensed partners and global players, including Tether, issuer of USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin, to drive real-world utility for digital assets.
Mr. Pavin Jittiwongsamarn, Founder of Wipay Co., Ltd., said: “Thailand has strong advantages in both tourism and digital payment infrastructure, particularly Thai QR PromptPay. However, international tourists who hold cryptocurrencies still face limitations when it comes to using these assets for everyday spending. WORPT bridges this gap by connecting digital assets with real-world spending. Tourists can use the Thai baht balance in their e-Wallet to make payments via Thai QR PromptPay or Visa Prepaid Card without the need for a Thai bank account. Meanwhile, merchants receive payments in Thai baht as usual, without having to accept cryptocurrencies directly or bear the risks associated with price volatility. This helps channel purchasing power from cryptocurrency holders around the world into Thailand’s economy.”
As part of its market expansion strategy, WORPT aims to grow its user base among international tourists from countries and regions with strong potential in digital asset ownership and adoption. Key target markets include South Korea, Japan, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The strategy seeks to reach digitally engaged tourists and continuously channel new purchasing power into Thailand’s tourism sector.
Mr. Leon Sing Foong, Director of the Board of Waan Exchange Co., Ltd. (Waanx), commented on the direction of the digital asset industry, noting that cryptocurrencies are evolving beyond assets primarily held or traded towards broader real-world applications. WORPT is one example of how innovation can connect digital assets with everyday economic activities, reflecting opportunities to expand the practical use of cryptocurrencies beyond trading and investment.
The official launch event also featured a panel discussion entitled “The New Era of Crypto-Powered Spending and the Future of Digital Payments”, bringing together Mr. Pavin Jittiwongsamarn, Founder of Wipay Co., Ltd.; Mr. Leon Sing Foong, Director of the Board of Waan Exchange Co., Ltd.; Ms. Voralak Tulaphorn, Chief Marketing Officer at The Mall Group; and Ms. Boonyavee Phlayphan, Thailand/Indochina Country Manager at Tether. The panellists exchanged perspectives on spending with digital assets through conversion into Thai baht, opportunities for businesses and the future of digital payments in Thailand.
WORPT is now available to international tourists and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store for use within the scope of the Tourist DigiPay Regulatory Sandbox.
