TL;DR
- Crypto ETF regulations are scheduled for release in early 2026.
- A three-year plan (2026-2028) promotes asset tokenization and green tokens.
- The government introduces zero percent capital gains tax on digital assets until 2029.
Thailand advances toward crypto-linked trading after a government decision authorizes digital assets as underlying instruments in derivatives markets and capital markets. The Finance Ministry approved the proposal, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) confirmed regulatory amendments to integrate cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets into the national financial framework. Authorities state that the reform aligns Thailand with international trading standards and strengthens its regulatory architecture.
The resolution allows cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based tokenized instruments to serve as reference products in financial contracts. Consequently, the Thai SEC amends the Derivatives Act to incorporate new digital asset categories.
Secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon supports the regulatory update and affirms that the measure strengthens formal recognition of crypto products while expanding portfolio diversification options for investors.
Licensed operators may offer crypto-linked derivatives contracts under revised authorization rules. Exchanges such as the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) can list such instruments once requirements are met.
At the same time, the regulator reviews licensing structures for brokers, exchanges, and clearinghouses to adjust oversight standards to volatility and price behavior associated with digital asset markets. Therefore, supervisors prioritize margin requirements, settlement procedures, and disclosure standards designed to preserve market stability and investor protection.
Crypto ETFs and tokenization strategy strengthen Thailand’s digital asset roadmap
Regulatory progress also includes guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (crypto ETFs), scheduled for release in early 2026. Such crypto ETFs provide price exposure without direct wallet management responsibilities, which lowers operational barriers for traditional investors. In addition, financial authorities launched a three-year plan covering 2026 to 2028 that promotes asset tokenization projects and environmentally oriented green tokens. Officials argue that tokenization can improve liquidity, operational efficiency, and funding diversification mechanisms within Thailand’s capital markets.
Meanwhile, the government introduced a 0% capital gains tax incentive on digital assets for trades executed through authorized domestic service providers. The benefit remains in effect until December 31, 2029.
Through the tax incentive, authorities aim to channel trading activity toward regulated platforms, reinforce compliance standards, and strengthen transaction traceability across the Thai crypto market.
The Thai SEC also coordinates with the Thailand Futures Exchange on detailed contract design for crypto derivatives instruments. Technical teams define specifications that accurately reflect cryptocurrency price swings and risk exposure. Moreover, regulators refine disclosure requirements, margin frameworks, and risk management standards to ensure contractual clarity and disciplined participation in the derivatives segment.
Pornanong states that expansion of crypto derivatives trading requires rigorous risk management and strong investor safeguards. For that reason, the regulator updates rules carefully and maintains active supervision over market participants.
