Thailand – Global Payments Inc. has expanded its cross-border payment capabilities in Thailand through a partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts, enabling multicurrency pricing across 153 currencies and 200 payment types, according to the company.
Transactions on the new platform are expected to begin across Centara’s Thailand properties in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Under the agreement, Global Payments Inc. will power cross-border payments across Centara’s Thailand property estate, supporting both national and international visitors. Centara operates more than 93 properties across 12 countries.
In addition, the platform configures reliable foreign exchange sources and rate locks, Global Payments says.
The move targets payment friction facing international travellers. Thailand welcomed 32.97 million international visitors in 2025, each arriving with different currencies and payment expectations shaped by their home markets.
According to Global Payments, currency friction at checkout, limited support for international payment methods and the complexity of settling funds across borders cost travel merchants in Thailand revenue.
Direct bookings add to that pressure. Online travel agencies (OTAs) account for 69% of hotel bookings in ASEAN, yet industry research cited by the company shows that nearly 35% of hotel bookings in Southeast Asia now come directly through hotel websites.
Global Payments says foreign exchange volatility and unexpected conversion rates cause buyer hesitation at checkout. It adds that its infrastructure allows Centara to own the checkout experience and maintain a direct booking relationship with customers.
Centara is the latest addition to Global Payments’ Thailand partner portfolio. The company says this completes a payments infrastructure that now spans the full international traveller journey, from flight booking to hotel check-in.
Global Payments entered the Thai market twelve months ago and has since established relationships with the country’s leading carriers. It describes Centara as the most prominent hotel group in that ecosystem.
The partnership also reflects the company’s broader Asia strategy of targeting high-volume travel verticals where cross-border payment complexity hinders customer attraction and retention.
Phil Pomford, Executive Lead, Enterprise APAC of Global Payments, said, “Travellers now expect to find their own currency, preferred payment method and a seamless checkout experience wherever they book. Addressing the same challenges faced by our global airline partners, we are proud to extend our proven cross-border solution to one of Asia’s most respected hospitality brands.”
Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, said, “Partnering with Global Payments allows us to deliver a seamless booking and payment experience that meets the expectations of today’s international travellers.”
“By integrating multicurrency pricing and secure cross-border capabilities, we can strengthen direct relationships with our guests, enhance loyalty, and support Thailand’s tourism growth. This collaboration underscores Centara’s commitment to innovation and to providing world-class hospitality that begins the moment a guest books their stay,” Chirathivat concluded.
