Thailand SEC Approves Bitcoin and Crypto Assets for Regulated Futures and Options Trading

TLDR:

• Thailand SEC authorizes Bitcoin and digital assets as underlyings for futures and options trading
• New rules follow cabinet approval of amendments to the country’s long-standing Derivatives Act
• Trading will occur only through licensed operators on the Thailand Futures Exchange platform
• Spot crypto trading stays regulated, while payments using digital assets remain restricted

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the use of Bitcoin and other digital assets in regulated derivatives markets.

Futures and options tied to crypto will trade on the Thailand Futures Exchange under licensed supervision. The move expands investor access while keeping activity inside formal rules. Spot trading remains limited to approved exchanges, and payment restrictions stay in place.

Crypto Assets Enter Thailand’s Derivatives Market

Under the revised Derivatives Act, digital assets may serve as underlying assets for futures, options, and related contracts. Bitcoin was listed among eligible instruments, alongside carbon credits and other approved assets. Trading will occur on the Thailand Futures Exchange.

The SEC stated that derivatives tied to crypto will follow the same oversight standards as traditional contracts. Operators must obtain licenses and meet reporting and compliance requirements. These controls aim to keep trading orderly and transparent.

Thailand has regulated crypto markets since 2018. Spot trading remains allowed only through licensed exchanges. At the same time, authorities continue to prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies as everyday payment tools.

SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the update expands investment choices and supports risk diversification. Investors can now access digital asset exposure through familiar financial products rather than direct holdings.

Framework Expands While Supervision Continues

The development gained attention on social media after Vivek Sen posted on X that Thailand was easing crypto trading rules. His post drew market interest and reflected the broader response from the crypto community.

Regulators clarified that the new structure builds on existing laws, not a full policy shift. The focus remains on controlled growth within regulated venues. Derivatives allow participation while exchanges maintain custody and compliance standards.

The SEC also plans additional rules for operator licensing and supervision updates. Future steps may include crypto exchange-traded funds and tokenization initiatives. No timelines were provided for those measures.

Trading and settlement will follow established exchange procedures. Digital assets will function as approved underlyings rather than separate markets. Authorities said implementation will occur gradually to ensure stability.

Through these measures, Thailand expands access to crypto-based products while maintaining strict regulatory control.

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