BANGKOK, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with the Bank of Thailand, as well as financial institutions and payment service providers, to roll out its cross-border QR payment under the "Pay Like a Local" concept.
Under the scheme, overseas tourists can scan QR codes to settle bills at participating outlets across Thailand using compatible mobile banking apps and e-wallets from their home countries, which reduces reliance on cash and enables more familiar, secure, and seamless day-to-day spending.
The TAT is promoting QR payment convenience at attractions, shops, restaurants, and tourism establishments nationwide through international marketing and publicity channels, particularly in East Asia.
Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol, TAT executive director of the East Asia Region, said that changing visitor behavior, particularly among visitors from East Asia and neighboring markets where mobile payments are widely used in daily life, makes cross-border QR payment increasingly important to the visitor experience.
This cooperation marks another important step in advancing Thailand's tourism industry, creating business opportunities for operators, and reinforcing the country's image as a modern global destination for digital visitors from around the world, she noted.
The service is currently available to users from several Asian countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Korea, with further expansion planned, according to the TAT. ■
