Thailand Approves Bitcoin for Derivatives Market, Crypto ETFs Could Follow
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Thailand just opened the door for Bitcoin in its regulated derivatives market. The Thai Cabinet approved changes to the country’s Derivatives Act that allow digital assets like Bitcoin to be used as underlying assets for futures and options contracts.
The country’s crypto market is already valued at $3.19 billion, with an average daily trading volume of $95 million. That existing liquidity gives the derivatives push a solid base to build on.
Now, the real work begins.
What the SEC Will Do Next
Following the Cabinet’s approval, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will amend the Derivatives Act B.E. 2546 and begin drafting new licensing and oversight rules. The regulator is also working with the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) to set contract specifications for crypto-linked derivatives.
SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the expansion “will strengthen the recognition of crypto as an asset class, promote market inclusiveness, enhance portfolio diversification, and improve risk management for investors.”
The SEC is also reviewing licensing frameworks for derivatives brokers, exchanges, and clearinghouses.
Bitcoin Futures and Crypto ETFs on the Radar
The SEC’s 2026 capital markets plan includes Bitcoin futures and crypto exchange-traded funds.
Deputy Secretary-General Jomkwan Kongsakul said last month that crypto ETFs could launch early this year, subject to legal amendments.
Binance Thailand Reacts
Nirun Fuwattananukul, CEO of Binance Thailand, called the move a “watershed moment” for the country’s capital markets.
“It sends a strong signal that Thailand is positioning itself as a forward-looking leader in Southeast Asia’s digital economy,” he said.
He added that digital assets are now seen as assets that can reshape capital markets.
Crypto Payments Still Banned
Worth noting: while Thailand is welcoming institutional crypto activity, the central bank still bans crypto payments. The government also launched an anti-money laundering campaign in January targeting crypto-linked “gray money.”
The next steps to watch are the SEC’s rule drafting timeline, TFEX product launches, and whether this puts pressure on Singapore and Hong Kong to keep pace.
