Thailand SEC Unveils Major Crypto ETF and Futures Rules

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission is rolling out sweeping new digital asset regulations early this year. The regulatory package covers crypto exchange-traded funds, futures trading, and tokenized investment products.

Deputy Secretary-General Jomkwan Kongsakul confirmed formal guidelines for crypto ETFs will arrive soon. The SEC is simultaneously working to enable crypto futures trading on the Thailand Futures Exchange.

JUST IN: 🇹🇭 Thailand SEC prepares rules to support crypto ETFs, futures & tokenized products. pic.twitter.com/zNJfcy564t

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) January 22, 2026

The regulator has already approved crypto ETFs in principle. Detailed investment and operational rules are now being finalized. Asset management companies must collaborate with licensed digital asset exchanges to develop jointly created products.

These products will eventually be listed and traded on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Market makers may be introduced to ensure adequate liquidity for crypto ETFs.

Thailand Crypto ETFs Eliminate Wallet Security Barriers

The SEC views crypto ETFs as particularly attractive for Thai investors seeking digital asset exposure. These products already exist in overseas markets and offer significant advantages over direct cryptocurrency ownership.

A key advantage of crypto ETFs is ease of access; they eliminate concerns over hacking and wallet security.

Jomkwan stated

She noted wallet security has been a major barrier for many investors.

Potential market makers for these ETFs include digital asset exchanges, financial institutions, and corporations. Entities holding cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets may also participate in market-making activities.

Meanwhile, the SEC is pushing for formal recognition of digital assets under Thailand’s Derivatives Act. This would pave the way for crypto futures trading on TFEX under the Futures Trading Act.

Crypto futures would provide investors with hedging tools and more sophisticated risk management options. The regulator has emphasized treating crypto as “another asset class” rather than a speculative instrument.

The SEC plans to expand digital token use beyond existing investment tokens. Bond tokens and tokenized fund units are next in the regulatory pipeline.

“While there have been some legal and regulatory challenges in the past, this year the SEC will encourage issuers of bond tokens to enter the regulatory sandbox,” Jomkwan said.

The SEC is collaborating with the Stock Exchange of Thailand on carbon credit trading. Spot trading of carbon credits on the exchange will link digital innovation with sustainability objectives.

Additionally, the regulator is working with the Bank of Thailand on a sandbox for tokenization. Distributed ledger technology could significantly lower barriers for retail investors.

The SEC believes tokenization could help digital assets become a meaningful driver of Thailand’s economic growth. Investors with higher risk tolerance could allocate around 4-5% of their portfolios to digital assets.

Crackdown Targets Crypto Money Laundering

Following the regulatory expansion, Thailand’s government announced strict measures against illegal financial flows. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched an aggressive campaign targeting gold trading and digital assets.

Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul has launched a crackdown on "grey money" and illegal capital flows, ordering tighter regulations on gold and digital assets. The government will strictly enforce the "Travel Rule," mandating identity verification for senders and receivers in all…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 13, 2026

The measures aim to dismantle money-laundering networks operating across traditional and digital markets. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas outlined plans for integrating national financial data systems.

A central pillar involves creating a national Data Bureau. This centralized hub will track suspicious transactions in real-time across gold, digital assets, e-wallets, foreign exchange, and cash.

The system will link datasets from relevant agencies via Open API. Authorities will develop comprehensive risk profiles for various financial activities.

In contrast to the regulatory sandbox approach, the SEC plans to tighten supervision of financial influencers. A clearer line will be drawn between factual information sharing and licensed investment advice.

Any recommendation related to securities or investment returns will require proper authorization as either an investment advisor or introducing broker.

Jomkwan confirmed