What are the payment methods in Thailand? Top 10 You Must Know

With tourism and e-commerce booming in Thailand, understanding local payment methods is crucial for tourists, merchants and investors. Whether you are shopping online or spending offline, choosing the right payment tool can lead to a more convenient transaction experience. In this article, we will introduceThe 10 most used payment methods in ThailandIt will help your transactions in Thailand to be smoother!

1. Cash

In Thailand, cash is still the preferred method of payment in many small shops, night markets and traditional markets. Although electronic payments are becoming more popular, some remote areas or small vendors may only accept cash transactions. Travellers are advised to carry a certain amount of Thai Baht (THB) with them, especially when spending money in non-touristy areas.

Applicable Scenarios:

• street vendor's stall
• Taxi (some drivers do not accept mobile payments)
• Traditional markets and small retail outlets

2. PromptPay

PromptPay is a national electronic payment system launched by the Central Bank of Thailand that allows users to transfer money via mobile phone number or ID number. It has become one of the most popular cashless transaction methods used by locals, supporting real-time inter-bank transfers with low or no fees.

Key Features:

• Bind your mobile phone number or ID card to use
• Support code scanning payment (e.g. WeChat Alipay mode)
• Widely used in supermarkets, restaurants and government bill payments

3. TrueMoney Wallet

TrueMoney is one of the leading digital wallets in Southeast Asia, operated by Ascend Money, an Ant Group investee. It offers top-ups, money transfers, bill payments and cross-border remittances, and is popular with locals and foreign tourists alike.

Core Functions:

• QR Code Payment and Receipt
• Telephone top-up and utility bill payment
• The TrueMoney Card can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs or to make purchases at merchants such as 7-Eleven.

4. Rabbit LINE Pay

LINE Pay combined with Rabbit Card has become one of the popular mobile wallets in Thailand. "Rabbit LINE Pay can be used not only for online shopping and P2P transfers, but also for travelling on Bangkok's BTS and enjoying discounts from merchants.

Strengths Highlights:

5. SCB Easy (e-payment by the remittance bank of Thailand)

SCB Easy is an e-payment service launched by Siam Commercial Bank (Thailand), which is widely used for online shopping, bill payment and cross-border transactions. Users can complete quick transfers and code-sweeping payments via mobile apps or internet banking.

Key Features:

• Support QR code payment (SCB QR Pay)
• Offers instalment options for large purchases
• Collaboration with several e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Shopee

6. GrabPay (Grab e-wallet)

Grab, one of the leading mega-apps in Southeast Asia, has also launched its GrabPay service in Thailand. Users can use the wallet for taxis, takeaways and offline merchant purchases by binding a bank card or recharging with cash.

Applicable Scenarios:

• Grab taxi and takeaway order payment
• Loyalty merchant code scanning payment (e.g. restaurants, convenience stores)
• Redeem points and enjoy discounts

7. Alipay & WeChat Pay (Alipay & WeChat Pay)

Alipay and WeChat Pay are highly popular in Thailand due to the large number of Chinese tourists. Many shopping malls, duty-free shops and popular tourist attractions support both methods, making it easy for Chinese consumers to settle payments directly in RMB.

Advantageous features:

• Reduce the hassle of currency conversion with automatic exchange rate conversion
• Some merchants offer exclusive coupons