Crypto: Thailand Approves Crypto As Underlying Assets In Derivatives Markets
Binance Thailand's chief executive said it is a "watershed moment" for digital assets in the country, which he says are no longer merely speculative instruments.
Thailand’s government on Tuesday approved the Finance Ministry’s proposal allowing digital assets to be used as underlying assets in the country’s derivatives and capital markets.
The move aims to modernize Thailand’s derivatives markets in line with international standards, strengthen regulatory oversight and investor protection, and position itself as a regional hub for institutional crypto trading, the Bangkok Post reported.
The country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will amend the Derivatives Act to enable these new asset classes, which include Bitcoin (BTC) and carbon credits.
“The decision to formally recognize digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens [...] reflects a growing understanding that digital assets are no longer merely speculative instruments, but an emerging asset class with the potential to reshape the foundations of capital markets,” said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Binance Thailand.
He added that it was a “watershed moment” for the country’s capital markets, sending a “strong signal” that Thailand is positioning itself as a “forward-looking leader” in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
Thailand is targeting wealthy institutional investors as it expands its crypto ambitions. The move also aligns with the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s 2026 plans to introduce Bitcoin futures and exchange-traded products.
Related: Thailand plans crypto ETF rules as institutional interest increases
SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the move will “strengthen the recognition of crypto as an asset class, promote market inclusiveness, enhance portfolio diversification, and improve risk management for investors.”
Retail trading remains popular in Thailand, with the Kingdom’s largest exchange, Bitkub, seeing daily volumes of $65 million, according to CoinMarketCap.
Source: CoinTelegraph
