Thailand is preparing to take its crypto investment market far beyond Bitcoin. Regulators are drawing up new rules that would allow funds tied to Ethereum, Solana, and other major digital assets, potentially launching the country’s first altcoin ETFs in 2026.
For years, local investors seeking legal crypto exposure have had limited choices – either buying coins directly through exchanges with limited oversight or turning to offshore funds. Both routes come with risks, from scams to sudden market shocks. Officials now want to keep that demand inside the Thai financial system by creating safe, homegrown alternatives.
The country’s SEC, led by Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon, confirmed it is working with other agencies to design the framework. Unlike existing products that only track Bitcoin, the new generation of ETFs may include baskets of multiple tokens, offering investors diversified exposure through a single regulated channel.
Thailand’s push comes at a time when the stock market has lost nearly 8% this year, leaving many investors disappointed. Younger generations, already comfortable with digital platforms, are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies in search of higher growth opportunities. Regulators see the shift as inevitable and want to provide safer ways to participate rather than leaving investors vulnerable to unlicensed operators.
Signs of momentum are already visible. Binance has been growing its footprint in Thailand, while Kasikornbank Pcl has entered the digital asset sector, bridging the gap between traditional banking and crypto services. But regulators warn that unchecked growth could attract bad actors, making oversight critical to prevent manipulation and fraud.
To match the market’s pace, the SEC is also seeking broader enforcement authority. A new bill under review would let the regulator freeze large transactions if suspicious activity is detected and investigate insider trading cases directly. The proposal has cleared its first legal hurdle, with lawmakers expected to fast-track it through parliament.
Officials argue that expanding ETFs and tightening oversight will help restore confidence in Thai markets while preparing the country for a future where digital assets play a central role in finance. By building a secure, regulated environment for crypto investing, Thailand hopes to position itself as one of Asia’s key gateways to the digital economy.
