Thailand is emerging as a frontrunner in Southeast Asia’s transition to a cashless society, driven by widespread adoption of digital payment solutions. According to recent findings by global payment giant Visa, the Kingdom could achieve a predominantly cashless economy by 2028, several years ahead of its ASEAN counterparts. Regional Leadership in Digital Payments The latest Visa Consumer Payment Attitude Study reveals striking statistics: 22% of Thai consumers anticipate a cashless transition by 2028, surpassing the ASEAN average of 16% Thailand ranks third regionally in minimizing cash usage, with physical currency comprising only 47% of wallet contents The country trails only Vietnam and Malaysia in this metric PromptPay: Catalyst for Change At the core of this digital transformation lies PromptPay, Thailand‘s national payment platform. Its impact has been particularly pronounced in the post-pandemic landscape, fundamentally reshaping how Thai consumers conduct financial transactions. This shift has been further amplified by the country’s high smartphone penetration rate, with an impressive 97% of Thais using mobile banking applications weekly – the highest in the region. Industry Adaptation and Innovation Visa Thailand‘s Country Manager notes that while PromptPay has enhanced digital financial interactions, it has also presented challenges to traditional banking services. In response to a post-pandemic decline in debit card usage, Visa is developing innovative solutions: Introduction of the Click-to-Pay system scheduled for the coming year Enhanced security measures for card transactions New strategies to complement existing debit card services Real-Time Payments: A Thai Specialty Thailand‘s leadership extends to real-time payment (RTP) adoption: 86% of Thai consumers engage in weekly RTP activities This high adoption rate reflects growing confidence in digital financial solutions The trend indicates a broader shift in consumer behavior toward digital transactions Balancing Progress with Economic Realities Despite rapid digital payment adoption, several factors ensure the continued relevance of traditional payment methods: High household debt levels Limited access to credit facilities The role of debit cards in providing financial security Industry leaders recognize these challenges and are working to create more inclusive digital payment solutions while maintaining the security and convenience of existing systems. As Thailand accelerates toward a cashless future, the balance between innovation and accessibility remains crucial. The country’s journey offers valuable insights for other nations in the region as they navigate their own paths to digital financial transformation.

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Asean Tourism Forum – ATF – is one of the most significant annual tourism promotional events in Asia, and is hosted on a rotational basis among the ASEAN member countries. The fair is made up of numerous high-level events, including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, a meeting of the ASEAN NTOs, as well as airline meetings, press briefings, a tourism conference, and the popular Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) trade fair. Asean Tourism Forum 2018 THEME: ‘ASEAN – SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIVITY, BOUNDLESS PROSPERITY’. This theme reflects the Thai’s government awareness of ASEAN as a community of opportunity and people-centeredness for a better livelihood under the mechanism of sustainable development. By connecting in all aspects, we create the economic and social opportunities for our people, and would lead to reduction of development gap between all member countries. In addition, the border cities that are being administered to prevent and reduce negative impacts are the consequences of boundless economic connectivity and prosperity. EVENT VENUE Asean Tourism Forum will be hosted between 22-26 January, 2018 in Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre or CMECC, one of the largest convention and exhibition center in Thailand. With usable space of 60,000 square meters, the centre is perfectly prepared for all type of MICE events at both national and international levels. The main exhibition and convention hall is a large 2-story building with three main services including exhibition halls, convention halls and meeting rooms. 3 interconnected exhibition halls with a combined column free space of 8,000 sqm can accommodate more than 10,000 people with theatre style. Booth can be set up more than 450 booth in the exhibition halls. CMECC provides a large convention hall with 1,700 square meters, 29 various modern designed meeting rooms equipped with auto drop screen, projector and audio system and other supporting facilities. THAI EXHIBITORS LED THE FIELD AT ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2017 Thailand had the largest contingent of exhibitors at the 36th ASEAN Tourism Forum 2017 (ATF) held during 16-20 January, 2017, in Singapore. The total number of 82 Thai exhibitors, mainly hotels, helped Thailand enjoy a dominant presence at the ATF 2017, the region’s first major travel trade event in a year that will mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the regional grouping. At the ATF, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introduced the new campaign “Unique Thai Local Experience”, to be used in 2017 to deliver an innovative and cultural mix to tourists while inviting them to explore these experiences under powerful narratives “Discover Amazing Stories in Amazing Thailand”. In addition, Thai tourism executives participated in meetings of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers and Heads of NTOs, ASEAN +3, ASEAN +Russia during the event. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, also addressed a media briefing on 18 January that was followed by the always popular Thai night on 19 January, 2017. Travel to Thailand from ASEAN countries is growing at record levels, thanks to visa-free policies, growing trade and business contacts, strong marketing campaigns and increased low-cost airline linkages between the various new and emerging destinations. TAT will also be drumming up support for the next ASEAN Tourism Forum 2018 to be held in Chiang Mai during 22-26 January, 2018. This will be the 6th ATF to be held in Thailand. Hosting it in Chiang Mai is in line with the national policy to give greater prominence to provincial destinations and highlight Thailand’s linkages with the Greater Mekong Sub-region countries. PROGRAM AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS: http://atfthailand2018.com/prog.html General Information E-mail : info@atfthailand2018.com  Tel : (+66 2) 250 5500 Ext. 1213 Fax : (+66 2) 652 8215 http://atfthailand2018.com

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