Ant International and National ITMX (NITMX) have announced a strategic partnership that will enable Chinese travelers in Thailand to make payments to local merchants using Alipay by simply scanning PromptPay QR codes.

This collaboration — guided by the Bank of Thailand — represents a major step toward enhancing digital payments interoperability and cross-border financial connectivity between China and Thailand.

---

Seamless Cross-Border Payments via Alipay and PromptPay

The partnership connects Alipay, part of the Alipay+ global e-wallet network, with PromptPay, Thailand’s national payment system operated by National ITMX since 2016.

This integration allows millions of Thai merchants, including small and medium-sized businesses, to accept payments from Chinese tourists directly through their existing PromptPay QR codes.

Chinese travelers can now:

• Scan PromptPay QR codes with the Alipay app.
• Pay instantly in Thai baht with transparent currency conversion.
• Enjoy a secure, cashless experience without needing to carry local currency.

The move brings Thailand’s thriving tourism and retail sectors closer to China’s vast mobile payments ecosystem, which already boasts hundreds of millions of active users.

---

Krungthai Bank to Handle Settlement Operations

Krungthai Bank (KTB), one of Thailand’s largest state-owned banks, will act as the settlement bank for this cross-border QR payment initiative.

KTB will oversee transaction reconciliation and currency settlement between Thai merchants and the Alipay+ network, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and transparent flow of funds between both countries.

---

Supporting Tourism and Local Businesses

The rollout is expected to significantly benefit Thailand’s tourism industry — one of the country’s key economic drivers.

With China ranking among Thailand’s largest sources of inbound tourists, seamless digital payment options are becoming essential for visitor convenience and merchant growth.

This initiative:

• Simplifies spending for Chinese visitors.
• Increases revenue opportunities for local Thai businesses.
• Reduces dependency on cash transactions.
• Promotes greater digital inclusion among small merchants.

---

Expanding Alipay’s Reach in Thailand

Alipay, launched in Thailand in 2015, has already become a widely accepted payment method among Thai merchants catering to Chinese tourists.

This new partnership further expands its coverage, particularly in rural and small-business sectors that rely on PromptPay for daily transactions.

By linking Alipay to Thailand’s national QR network, the collaboration creates a unified, interoperable payment experience for merchants and consumers alike.

---

A Step Toward Greater Regional Payment Integration

The partnership aligns with the Bank of Thailand’s broader goal of enhancing cross-border digital payments across ASEAN and beyond.

By connecting PromptPay with global payment networks such as Alipay+, the initiative:

• Strengthens financial interoperability in Asia.
• Supports regional tourism and trade.
• Advances the use of QR-based payment standards across borders.

This development also builds on Ant International’s ongoing efforts to promote open, inclusive digital financial ecosystems, helping travelers and businesses benefit from seamless transactions regardless of geography.

---

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Travelers and Merchants

The Ant International–NITMX–Krungthai Bank collaboration marks a significant milestone in cross-border payment innovation, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a regional leader in digital payments and cashless tourism.

For Chinese visitors, it means greater convenience and familiarity while traveling.
For Thai merchants, especially SMEs, it opens new opportunities to serve international customers without additional infrastructure costs.

As more countries adopt interconnected payment frameworks, initiatives like this pave the way toward a truly borderless digital economy in Asia.

---

🔗 Source: Ant International