Thailand has approved a proposal to allow digital assets such as Bitcoin to serve as underlying assets in its derivatives and capital markets, marking a regulatory shift for the country’s crypto sector.
The cabinet-backed move authorises the Finance Ministry and the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend the Derivatives Act, aiming to align Thailand’s markets with international standards and bolster investor protection.
Officials said the reform is designed to strengthen oversight while positioning Thailand as a regional hub for institutional crypto trading, with Bitcoin and carbon credits among the approved asset classes.
“The decision to formally recognise digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens... reflects a growing understanding that digital assets are no longer merely speculative instruments, but an emerging asset class with the potential to reshape the foundations of capital markets,”
Said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Binance Thailand.
He described the change as a “watershed moment” for Thailand’s capital markets that sends a “strong signal” the country intends to be a forward-looking leader in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, and following the announcement the Bitcoin price was unchanged at $XX.
SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the framework will strengthen recognition of crypto as an asset class while supporting portfolio diversification and risk management, as the Stock Exchange of Thailand plans to introduce Bitcoin futures and exchange-traded products in 2026.
Despite retail trading remaining active, with Bitkub reporting daily volumes of about $65 million, Thailand’s central bank continues to prohibit crypto payments and has tightened oversight through anti-money laundering campaigns and strict KYC requirements for tourist crypto conversion schemes.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $66,762.43.