Thailand SEC Gears Up to Launch Game-Changing Crypto ETF Regulations

Bangkok is about to flip the switch on mainstream crypto adoption.

The Regulatory Green Light

Forget waiting on the SEC in Washington—Thailand's financial watchdog is charging ahead with a framework to approve crypto exchange-traded funds. This isn't just talk; it's a concrete push to bring digital assets into the regulated fold, giving local investors a sanctioned on-ramp they've been craving.

Why This Move Matters

It signals a major shift in perception. By crafting rules for crypto ETFs, the Thai SEC isn't just tolerating digital assets; it's actively integrating them into the traditional financial system. This creates a bridge for institutional capital that's been standing on the sidelines, wary of unregulated custody and direct token purchases.

The Ripple Effect

Expect regional dominoes to fall. Southeast Asia is a hotbed for crypto innovation and adoption. A successful, regulated ETF launch in Thailand sets a precedent, putting pressure on neighboring financial authorities to keep pace or risk losing capital and talent. It legitimizes the entire asset class in a way that another meme coin rally never could.

The Bottom Line

This is a masterclass in regulatory pragmatism—capturing innovation instead of stifling it. While other jurisdictions debate theoretical risks, Thailand is building the plumbing for the next generation of finance. One can't help but smirk at the traditional finance giants who once dismissed crypto as a 'fad,' now scrambling to understand the very ETFs that will democratize access to it. The future isn't coming; it's being listed on an exchange.

Thailand SEC pushes for crypto ETFs and futures trading

Following the Thai SEC’s approval of crypto ETFs in principle last year, Ms Jomkwan confirmed that it is now finalizing investment and operational rules to govern how the products are structured and traded.

The proposed framework will see asset management companies and licensed crypto exchanges cooperate to jointly develop ETFs that could eventually be listed and traded on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

A key advantage of crypto ETFs is ease of access; they eliminate concerns over hacking and wallet security, which has been a major barrier for many investors.

Jomkwan Kongsakul said

Alongside ETFs, the SEC is working to formally recognize digital assets as an underlying asset class under the Derivatives Act, which WOULD allow crypto futures to be traded on the Thailand Futures Exchange under the Futures Trading Act. 

Ms Jomkwan admitted that legal and regulatory hurdles have slowed efforts to implement a crypto framework in the past. “This year, the SEC will encourage issuers of bond tokens to enter the regulatory sandbox,” she said. The Sandbox approach would allow issuers to test products under regulatory supervision before full approval.

Crypto investors with higher risk tolerance could allocate around 4 to 5 percent of their portfolios to digital assets, according to the SEC’s guidance. However, the SEC wants to add other varieties of digital tokens used for investment, away from ETFs and popular tokens like bitcoin and ether.

Moreover, it plans to tighten oversight of financial influencers, noting a clear distinction between sharing factual information and providing regulated investment advice.

Providing factual information may not require a licence, but any recommendation related to securities or investment returns will require proper authorisation as either an investment advisor or introducing broker.

Jomkwan Kongsakul. 

In addition, Thailand’s government is planning to launch its first green token as part of this expansion, which it said would support sustainable, environmental, social, and governance finance.

Thailand’s economy could slow in 2026, central bank says

The crypto-friendly regulatory charge is against the backdrop of a flailing economy. The central bank warned last week that Thailand’s economic competitiveness is getting weak. US tariffs, high household debt levels, and a strong currency are among the bumps that could thwart economic growth, according to the Bank of Thailand.

According to a Reuters report, the baht gained more than 10% against the greenback last year, a MOVE expected to weigh on export shipments in 2026. A standing 19% US tariff that took effect in August could also impact exports this year.

A border dispute with Cambodia escalated into nearly three weeks of heavy fighting last month. Thailand has had three prime ministers in as many years and is heading into a snap general election scheduled for February 8.

“This year there is a lot of uncertainty,” Bank of Thailand deputy governor Piti Disyatat told reporters. “Policy room is low, ‌but that doesn’t mean there is none. If we think it ‌is necessary then it will be used.”

The central bank said GDP growth in the second half of last year likely reached 1.3% year-on-year, with exports climbing to 9.1% over the period. However, the Thai Trade Policy and Strategy Office predicts exports to turn flat in 2026 as the full impact of US tariffs is felt.

Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.