Thai SEC Preparing Guidelines on Crypto ETF and Futures
Thailand is enhancing its cryptocurrency regulation. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is referenced as a model while the Thai SEC finalizes formal guidelines to allow the launch of crypto ETFs early this year.
Jomkwan Kongsakul, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai SEC, highlighted the advantages of ETFs: they allow easier investing in cryptocurrencies, without exposure to hacking and wallet risk, which concern many investors.
Additionally, the regulator will oversee futures trading for crypto and monitor the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) for market makers and liquidity provision. The Derivatives Act will now officially recognize digital assets as an asset class, according to the recent announcement.
Thailand Aims at Institutional and Retail Investors
Thailand aspires to be a regional crypto center, attracting institutional investors and retail traders. Although using crypto for payments remains banned in Thailand, locals are still purchasing cryptocurrencies via exchanges. Bitkub reports daily trading volumes of around $60 million.
The SEC plans to permit investors to allocate up to 5% of any diversified portfolio in digital assets, treating crypto as “another asset class,” according to Kongsakul.
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Financial Influencers to Face Tougher Rules
The SEC is tightening oversight of financial influencers. Kongsakul stated that any advice on securities and investment yields must be authorized under law as an investment adviser or introducing broker.
As part of a joint initiative with the Bank of Thailand, the agency has established a tokenization sandbox. This invites bond token issuers and other tokenized assets to innovate within regulatory parameters while safeguarding investors.
KuCoin Thailand’s Suspension from Trade
Earlier in January, the SEC suspended KuCoin Thailand after the platform’s capital fell below the required minimum for five days. Local reports cite a dispute between CI Group Singapore and KuCoin Global regarding a planned capital increase, not financial instability.
KuCoin is applying for a digital-asset broker license in Thailand, where it entered the market in June 2025. This license would allow the exchange to offer a broader range of crypto financial products under SEC supervision.
Thailand’s Cryptocurrency Vision for the Future
With these regulatory moves, Thailand is positioning itself as a leading Southeast Asian crypto destination. The new regulations for crypto ETFs, futures, and tokenized products aim to attract institutional capital while providing safer investment avenues for retail traders.
