Thailand SEC Plans Crypto ETFs, Futures Rules as Market Access Expands

Thailand SEC is preparing new rules to support crypto ETFs, crypto futures, and token based investment products. The move signals a broader push to bring digital assets into the country’s regulated financial system.

SEC deputy secretary general Jomkwan Kongsakul said formal guidelines for crypto ETFs are expected early this year, according to a report published Thursday by the Bangkok Post. The SEC board has already approved the idea in principle and is now finalizing operating and investment rules.

Kongsakul said crypto ETFs are aimed at lowering entry barriers for investors. ETFs remove the need to manage private wallets and reduce exposure to hacking risks, which have kept many investors on the sidelines.

Alongside ETFs, the SEC plans to allow crypto futures trading on the Thailand Futures Exchange. The regulator also plans to introduce approved market makers to support liquidity and stable pricing.

Digital assets will be formally recognized as an asset class under the Derivatives Act. The SEC said crypto would be treated like other investable assets, with portfolio exposure capped at 5% for diversified portfolios.

Thailand’s retail crypto activity remains strong. Bitkub, the country’s largest exchange, posts daily trading volume near $60 million. This is despite ongoing crypto payments ban for goods and services.

Tighter Rules for Promotion and Tokenization

The SEC is also moving to tighten oversight of financial influencers. Kongsakul said any public recommendation tied to securities or expected investment returns will require registration as an investment advisor or introducing broker.

The regulator is working with the Bank of Thailand on a tokenization sandbox. Bond token issuers will be encouraged to test products within this framework before broader market release.

Officials see tokenized products as a controlled way to expand digital finance while keeping risks contained.

KuCoin Thailand Faces Regulatory Setback

The policy shift comes as KuCoin Thailand works to resolve a regulatory suspension. The SEC halted the exchange’s operations earlier this month after its capital level fell below minimum requirements for five straight days.

Local outlet The Nation reported that the shortfall was tied to a shareholder dispute between Singapore based CI Group and KuCoin Global. The dispute delayed approval of a planned capital increase. KuCoin said the issue was administrative and not linked to liquidity stress.

KuCoin entered the Thai market in June 2025. The company said its local unit plans to apply for a digital asset broker license, which would allow it to offer more regulated products once the capital issue is resolved.