Chinese Diner Questions Yuan-Only Restaurant in Bangkok

A Chinese resident in Thailand has sparked debate online after claiming a Chinese restaurant in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district refused to accept Thai baht and would only accept payment in Chinese yuan. The allegation, shared in a TikTok video posted on 3 June 2026 by user JaideeBing and Bao, has raised questions about whether the restaurant’s payment practices comply with Thai regulations.

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In the post, the Chinese national, who said he has lived in Thailand for many years, questioned whether a restaurant operating in Thailand could legally function without a Thai bank account. He wrote that the business accepted only cash and WeChat Pay, prompting him to ask whether such an arrangement was permitted.

According to the video, the man had recently eaten at a noodle restaurant in Huai Khwang and attempted to pay using local payment methods. He said restaurant staff informed him that they did not accept Thai QR-code payments and did not have a Thai bank account.

The customer claimed staff then asked whether he had another currency available. He eventually paid in Chinese yuan and said he was charged the equivalent of 375 baht for a bill that had originally totalled 325 baht, resulting in an additional cost of 50 baht.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

In the video, he expressed confusion about the policy, asking: “This restaurant only accepts yuan. I’m confused. Can they really do this?” He also urged businesses operating in Thailand to comply with Thai laws and tax regulations.

The man added that he was not unfamiliar with local practices, saying: “They may think I’m new to Thailand, but I’ve been here a long time. Half of me is Thai already.”

The video quickly attracted attention across social media, with many users questioning whether businesses in Thailand can legally refuse to accept Thai currency or operate without a Thai payment system. The discussion has focused on payment regulations, taxation and whether foreign-owned businesses should be required to use local banking services.

No response from the restaurant had been reported as of 3 June 2026. Relevant authorities had also not issued any immediate statement regarding the allegations.

Khaosod reported that the case is likely to draw further scrutiny as questions continue over the legality of payment practices used by some businesses catering primarily to foreign customers. Any official response from regulators or the restaurant could help clarify the rules governing accepted payment methods in Thailand.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 June 2026