Thailand's financial regulators are moving to significantly expand the country's cryptocurrency offerings by planning to introduce exchange-traded funds (ETFs) covering a basket of digital tokens beyond Bitcoin. This regulatory effort is aimed at strengthening Thailand's position as a regional crypto hub.
Key Regulatory Moves and Timeline
- Expanded ETF Offerings: The Thai SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is currently drafting new rules to expand the range of crypto assets included in ETFs, a move confirmed by SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon.
- Rollout: The new products are expected to roll out in early 2026.
- Availability: Local mutual funds and institutional investors will be positioned to offer these products once regulatory approvals are secured.
Market Dynamics Driving the Shift
The push to create more regulated crypto investment channels is driven by domestic market realities:
- Stock Market Slump: The decision comes as Thailand's stock market has declined by 7.6% this year, leading younger investors to increasingly turn toward digital assets.
- Rising Demand: Active crypto trading accounts in Thailand surpassed 270,000 by late 2024, signaling a growing public appetite for crypto exposure.
Policy Evolution and Oversight
The move to altcoin ETFs marks a significant progression in Thai crypto policy:
- Prior BTC Approval: Thailand's first spot Bitcoin ETF was approved in 2024, managed by One Asset Management. This first step gave institutional clients regulated access to Bitcoin through a "fund of funds" structure.
- Next Stage: Expanding into altcoin ETFs is the next stage of development, aiming to bring a wider range of tokenized investments into mainstream portfolios.
- Balanced Approach: While promoting adoption, regulators are also tightening oversight. In June, the SEC demonstrated this balance by blocking access to five unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges, including Bybit and OKX, citing concerns over money laundering and investor risk.
By creating domestic, regulated investment structures, Thailand aims to meet rising investor demand while simultaneously strengthening its oversight of the fast-moving digital asset sector.
October 2025, Cryptoniteuae