Is crypto legal in Thailand?

Crypto is legal in Thailand, and as of October 2026 it is one of the more tightly licensed markets in Asia. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) supervises crypto businesses, and only licensed firms may serve Thai users. Spending crypto at shops is the main thing that is restricted.

Which crypto exchange is legal in Thailand?

Only firms licensed under the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses, in force since May 14, 2018, can legally serve the Thai market. The SEC's summary says the decree covers three main businesses: exchanges, brokers and dealers. Running one without approval is a criminal offence. The Finance Minister grants licenses on the SEC's recommendation.

The SEC publishes lists of licensees by type, including exchanges, brokers, dealers, custodial wallet providers and ICO portals, on its digital assets page. It also keeps investor alert lists of unlicensed websites and tokens. That page, or the SEC Check First app, is the way to confirm a platform.

Thailand acts against offshore platforms. In April 2024 the SEC filed criminal complaints against Binance and Bybit, and it told investors that unlicensed platforms offer no legal protection. In May 2025 it announced that access to Bybit, OKX, CoinEx, XT and 1000X would be blocked from June 28, 2025, The Block reported. Background on why big exchanges get blocked is in why is Binance banned in some countries?

Is crypto payment legal in Thailand?

Not through licensed businesses. The Bank of Thailand, the SEC and the Finance Ministry announced in January 2022 that licensed firms may not promote or support merchants accepting crypto, or run payment systems for it, from April 1, 2022, according to Elliptic. Crypto is also not legal tender.

The government has tested a workaround for visitors instead of lifting the ban. TouristDigiPay, announced on August 18, 2025, is an SEC sandbox of up to 18 months, according to law firm Tilleke & Gibbins. Tourists sell crypto through a licensed operator, the baht goes into an e-money wallet, and the wallet pays the merchant. Monthly limits start at THB 50,000 for small vendors.

Is crypto legal in Thailand for foreigners?

Yes. Foreigners may trade crypto under the same rules as residents. Opening an account with a licensed Thai platform requires identity checks, and TouristDigiPay was designed specifically for foreign visitors.

Thailand's five-year tax exemption on gains from trades on licensed platforms is covered in how is crypto taxed in Thailand?

Is crypto mining legal in Thailand?

Mining is not one of the business types the 2018 decree licenses, and no rule seen bans it. Lightspark describes it as a gray area that the government does not actively support, partly because of energy concerns. Income from mining is taxable under normal rules. For mining laws elsewhere, see is crypto mining legal?

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