This is a disturbing trend. I guess allowing people/businesses to transact directly is threatening to the state and to banks/payment processors. Banning payments takes away the public possibility for a circular economy and injects the state and banks into a person's everyday life; all for the sake of AML, "financial stability" &  "consumer safety". 

Another article written on this development:

> [Effective] April 1.

> The new rules won’t affect trading or investment in cryptocurrencies.

>  The country plans to test its retail CBDC later this year as an alternative payment option for the public.

*Thailand bans use of crypto for payments — but not trading and investing*
https://www.theblockcrypto.com/linked/138910/thailand-bans-use-of-crypto-for-payments-but-not-trading-and-investing

> In a statement, Thailand’s Security and Exchange Commission expressed concern that cryptocurrencies present a risk to the stability of the Thai financial system and economy.

> Businesses are required not to advertise availability for crypto payments.

> If a digital asset business finds that a client is using crypto for payments instead of for investing, the business is required to notify officials, or even suspend the user’s account.

> The Tourism Authority of Thailand, too, was optimistic about crypto attracting wealthy, high-value tourists after a pandemic-induced travel slump.

