How to Buy Real Estate with Cryptocurrency in Thailand: New Opportunities for Investors

April 14, 2025

Southeast Asia is one of the leaders in the cryptocurrency sphere. Today, the region accounts for approximately 60% of all global transactions. According to Statista's assessment, in 2024, the digital assets market here has reached $78 billion and is growing annually by 8.75%.

Thailand, along with Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines, is among the countries with the largest volume of cryptocurrency operations. Currently, the country is actively discussing the idea of making Phuket a pilot zone where cryptocurrency payments will be officially permitted. The government plans to launch a regulatory sandbox for testing digital payments on the island as early as October 2025.

While most initiatives exist only in plans, some developers, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and shops are already accepting digital assets as payment. Let's examine the situation in more detail.

Development of Digital Payments

Thailand is actively working on creating alternative payment systems, aiming to improve banking efficiency and reduce transaction costs between countries. As early as 2018, the Central Bank began research on implementing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for domestic settlements. Now, the government is developing legislation to integrate digital assets into the country's economy.

Cryptocurrency exchanges undergo mandatory licensing, and the Bank of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exercise strict control over cryptocurrency transactions. They have developed regulations that help ensure compliance with procedures aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

An important step was the inclusion of stablecoins USDT (Tether) and USDC (Circle) in the list of permitted cryptocurrencies from March 16, 2025. Currently, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Stellar (XLM), and other digital assets are approved in the country and are being used in the Central Bank's test payment system.

In January 2025, Thailand initiated a new project for using cryptocurrencies in payments on Phuket, which is set to launch in October. The experiment will allow foreign tourists to register their digital coins through Thai exchanges, undergo identity verification, and then use them to pay for goods and services.

Despite the fact that the official regulation of cryptocurrency payments is still under development, Bitcoin is being used for everyday payments in Phuket. Hotels, restaurants, and wellness centers that actively implement cryptocurrency acceptance systems can already be found.

Some progressive developers are also offering cryptocurrency payment options as an alternative method for paying for villas and apartments.

The Future of Cryptocurrency Payments in Real Estate

The development of blockchain technology opens new horizons for Thailand's real estate market, especially in the premium segment. Very soon, this could become common practice.

Phuket may see new payment solutions based on decentralised financial platforms (DeFi). These services will create additional opportunities for lending and loans for investors.

Government support, cryptocurrency business development, and technological innovations are creating the foundation for transforming Thailand, especially Phuket, into a regional center for cryptocurrency operations with real estate. This will make the country even more attractive to international investors.

Conclusion

Buying real estate with cryptocurrency in Thailand is becoming a reality. This is facilitated by progressive regulation, the growing popularity of digital assets among businesses and consumers, and the modernisation of payment systems. For investors, this opens unique opportunities: simplification of international payments, reduced commissions, increased security, and speed of settlements.

As Thailand strengthens its position as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption in Southeast Asia, the country's luxury real estate market is becoming more accessible to global investors with digital assets. Phuket is particularly interesting as it may become a pilot zone for the widespread use of crypto payments.

If you want to purchase luxury real estate in Thailand using cryptocurrencies, we are ready to provide you with professional consultation on all aspects of such transactions. Our experts will help you select a suitable property and guide you through the entire purchase process using digital assets.