Visa has partnered with Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Malaysian fintech firm Soft Space to extend its Tap to Pay initiative to Chatuchak Weekend Market and Pratunam Market, two of Bangkok’s busiest retail areas.
The move aims to make it easier for local merchants to accept digital payments while offering tourists a faster and more convenient checkout experience.
The solution allows merchants to accept card payments directly through their smartphones without extra hardware, complementing existing payment terminals.
By supporting cashless transactions, the initiative helps reduce reliance on cash and supports Thailand’s shift toward a digital economy.
Since its launch a year ago, the “Mae Manee Tap to Pay” programme has gained traction among small businesses nationwide, including street vendors, cafés, salons, and community shops that previously lacked access to electronic payment systems.
Following this success, Visa and SCB are expanding the programme to more provinces and retail segments to make digital payments more accessible.
SCB said the partnership marks a milestone in its digital strategy, making it the first bank in Thailand to enable merchants to accept Tap to Pay directly via mobile devices.
Choenporn Sawasdivorn, Head of Client at Visa Thailand, said,
“Over the past year, contactless payments in Thailand have surged, with more than 66 per cent of Visa transactions now taking place via contactless methods each month. This rapid growth is driven by strong adoption among small businesses from street food vendors to local shops who are utilising Tap to Pay to attract more customers and expand their operations.
By equipping merchants with modern payment solutions, Visa is not only enhancing the shopping experience for both tourists and locals, but also helping to build a more vibrant, resilient, and digitally connected economy across communities throughout Thailand.”
Joel Tay, Chief Executive Officer of Soft Space, added,
“Contactless payment acceptance, which was once costly and less accessible for Thai small businesses, is now affordable, enabling even the smallest businesses to accept cards alongside QR payments.
The solution we’ve introduced with Visa and SCB empowers Thai consumers and tourists the freedom to choose a convenient, friction-free and cost-effective way to pay.”
Visa is also running a promotion rewarding Tap to Pay users with vouchers through December 2025 to encourage broader adoption among shoppers.
Featured image: (From left) Natthanart Dontree, Director of Account Executive, Visa (Thailand); Joel Tay, CEO, Soft Space; Panisa Thongma, Director, Chatuchak Market; Chernporn Sawaddiworn, Head of Client, Visa (Thailand); Vilasinee Leamkeawsakul, SVP of Digital Payment Solution, SCB; and Pornprapa Sinsawat, Payment Solution Services, Digio
