Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to introduce new regulations to support crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), crypto futures, and tokenized investment products.
SEC Deputy Secretary-General Jomkwan Kongsakul told the Bangkok Post on Thursday that formal guidelines for establishing crypto ETFs in Thailand are expected “early this year.”
“One of the main benefits of crypto ETFs is easier access,” Kongsakul said. “They remove concerns about hacking and wallet security, which have been major barriers for many investors.”
The SEC also plans to regulate crypto futures trading on the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) and implement initiatives such as establishing market makers to improve liquidity and recognizing digital assets as an official asset class under the Derivatives Act.
Thailand is positioning itself as a regional hub for institutional crypto investment, even as retail trading continues to thrive despite a ban on crypto payments. The country’s largest exchange, Bitkub, records daily trading volumes of around $60 million.
On tighter rules for financial influencers, Kongsakul noted that the SEC’s board has already approved crypto ETFs in principle and is now finalizing the investment and operational regulations.
The SEC has confirmed that crypto will be treated as “another asset class,” allowing investors to allocate up to 5% of a diversified portfolio to digital assets.
The regulator is also tightening oversight of so-called “financial influencers.” Kongsakul noted that “any recommendation related to securities or investment returns will require proper authorization as either an investment advisor or introducing broker.”
In addition, the SEC is working with the Bank of Thailand on a tokenization sandbox and “will encourage issuers of bond tokens to enter the regulatory sandbox,” Kongsakul added.
KuCoin Thailand works to lift SEC suspension
Earlier this month, the Thai SEC suspended KuCoin Thailand after its capital fell below the minimum requirements for five consecutive days, according to The Nation.
KuCoin said the shortfall was due to a shareholder dispute between Singapore’s CI Group and KuCoin Global, which delayed approval for a planned capital increase, rather than any liquidity issues.
Having entered the Thai market in June 2025, KuCoin plans for its local entity to apply for a digital-asset broker license, which would allow it to offer a broader range of financial products.
