How is crypto regulated in Thailand?

Crypto regulation in Thailand rests on one main law, the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as day-to-day supervisor. Using crypto for payments is restricted and only licensed platforms may serve Thai investors, as explained in is crypto legal in Thailand. This guide covers the licensing system and the newer rules around it.

How does the Thailand SEC digital asset license work?

The decree, in force since 2018, names three core licensed businesses: exchanges, brokers and dealers. The Finance Minister can add others, and SEC materials now list six supervised types:

• Exchange
• Broker
• Dealer
• Fund manager
• Advisory service provider
• Custodial wallet provider

The Finance Minister grants, suspends and revokes licences on the SEC's recommendation. Running a digital asset business without one is a criminal offence, with penalties the SEC says are comparable to those in securities law, plus civil sanctions.

Token offerings have their own track. Only limited or public limited companies may offer tokens to the public, they need SEC approval of a registration statement and prospectus, and sales must go through an SEC-approved ICO portal. Licensed firms count as financial institutions under anti-money laundering law and must run identity checks.

Do Thai crypto laws apply to foreign exchanges?

Yes, since 2025. The Emergency Decree (No. 2) B.E. 2568 was published on April 12, 2025 and took effect immediately. It extends the licensing duty to operators based outside Thailand that serve people in Thailand. A new Section 26/1 lists signs of this, including:

• Thai-language content or a Thailand-linked domain
• Baht payment options or Thai bank or e-money accounts
• Thai governing law or Thai courts for disputes
• Paid search ads aimed at Thai users
• An office or staff in Thailand supporting Thai users

The SEC can add signs and grant exceptions. Why regulators restrict large offshore exchanges is explained in why is Binance banned in some countries.

What is Thailand's crypto travel rule?

The SEC announced final travel rule requirements on September 2, 2026, taking effect on February 27, 2027. Digital asset operators must collect and pass on information about the parties to crypto transfers, verify that customers own or control any self-custodial wallet they send to or receive from, and keep records for at least five years. The concept is explained in what is the crypto travel rule.

How are stablecoins regulated in Thailand?

The SEC added USDT and USDC to its list of approved cryptocurrencies in March 2025, with trading pairs available from March 16, 2025.

A baht stablecoin would be handled by the central bank instead. In an October 2026 consultation, the Bank of Thailand proposed licensing a few issuers under the Payment Systems Act, with reserves held fully in bank deposits, redemption at par within one business day, no interest and transfers only between verified wallets. Tax treatment is in how crypto is taxed in Thailand.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the official regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.