Thailand’s Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), The Mall Group — along with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) –  unveiled the new ‘SCB M Visa prepaid tourist card’ for foreign travellers this week.

To commemorate the occasion of the card, the first 1,000 customers who apply will receive vouchers worth 500 Baht when spending 2,000 Baht or more at The Mall Group’s department stores from 1 June to 31 December, 2019.

Information and applications are available at the Tourist Lounge at the Emporium, Emquartier, Paragon Department Store, and SCB exchange booths at Don Mueang International Airport.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy governor for digital research and development (below, seventh from left), said: “The government strongly believes the payment industry will play an important role in the development of Thailand’s tourism industry. Traveller’s needs are inherently diverse, so driving the adoption and usage of digital payments is the key”

In addition to greater convenience, international security standards and confidence to spend during their time in Thailand, cardholders will also benefit from a number of privileges from more than 53 million Visa-accepting merchant locations in more than 200 countries around the world, according to SCB.

The card is valid for five years, allowing cardholders to enjoy special privileges during every visit to Thailand throughout the validity period. There is no sign up, annual, or re-issuance fee, and cards can be topped-up for a minimum of 100 Baht at any of The Mall Group’s customer service counters.

Cardholders are also eligible for 5 to 10% discounts at all The Mall Group department stores and Gourmet Markets, and up to 50% in discounts at shops located within one of its shopping complexes, including M privileges from leading partners nationwide.