Visa has partnered with Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Malaysian fintech firm Soft Space to introduce its Tap-to-Pay payment system at Bangkok’s iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market and Pratunam Market, allowing vendors to accept contactless payments directly on their smartphones.
The program, launched this month, is part of a broader effort to make digital payments more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses in Thailand. The system enables sellers to process Visa card transactions using a smartphone app equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology — no additional card reader or payment terminal required.
This expansion comes as contactless payments continue to gain traction nationwide. Visa reports that around 66% of its transactions in Thailand are now tap-based, reflecting growing consumer trust in cashless technology. By extending the service to open-air markets, the company aims to give small retailers the same digital tools used by large stores and shopping malls.
Vendors at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market showcase vibrant textiles and handmade goods — soon to benefit from Visa’s new Tap-to-Pay system that brings contactless payments to Thailand’s busiest street market Photo Courtesy Living Nomads
The update is expected to make everyday transactions faster and safer for both vendors and shoppers. Visitors — especially foreign tourists who may not carry local currency — can now pay with a simple tap of their card or mobile wallet. Meanwhile, stallholders gain a secure and simplified way to accept payments without handling large amounts of cash.
To encourage adoption, shoppers who spend at least THB 500 using Tap-to-Pay or Visa QR at participating stalls before December 31, 2025, can receive a THB 100 Starbucks e-coupon or a THB 80 bubble-tea voucher through Visa’s official LINE account.
This system could help small traders attract more cash-free customers, particularly in high-traffic areas frequented by tourists. It also aligns with Thailand’s national strategy to expand cashless transactions and promote financial inclusion for small and informal businesses. The move supports ongoing digitalization efforts under the country’s “Thailand 4.0” economic framework, which encourages innovation and digital commerce.
While feedback from vendors has yet to be formally reported, early adoption in Bangkok’s largest markets suggests increasing openness toward digital payments. Extending such tools to traditional markets helps bridge the gap between informal street economies and Thailand’s fast-growing digital infrastructure.
As adoption grows, industry observers will be watching whether similar cashless upgrades reach other markets nationwide — and how quickly Thailand’s vibrant street vendors adapt to a future where smartphones replace cashboxes.
