Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has proposed using Phuket as a Bitcoin sandbox to attract cryptocurrency holders and boost tourism. The initiative, expected to launch in October, aims to allow digital currencies for transactions in the province, despite Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies not being approved as legal tender by the Bank of Thailand. The move aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to position itself as a digital innovation hub, though challenges include regulatory gaps, currency volatility, and legal constraints on crypto payments. The Securities and Exchange Commission will oversee the sandbox alongside the central bank. Proponents for the scheme argue that the sandbox will attract digital nomads, investors, and startups.