Thailand’s financial regulator has adjusted regulations, permitting investments in U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for professional investors. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has authorized asset management firms to launch funds targeting U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs for institutional investors, as reported by the Bangkok Post. SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon acknowledged the high risk associated with digital assets, indicating cautious consideration before permitting asset management firms to invest directly.

This regulatory shift follows the SEC’s previous stance against allowing overseas spot crypto ETFs in Thailand. However, the move aligns with recent adjustments in tax regulations, with Thailand suspending the 7% value-added tax on gains from crypto trading since January 1, 2024, without a specified expiration date. Notably, the country has attracted global crypto exchanges like Binance, with Gulf Binance—a joint venture—launching crypto exchange services to the public after a successful invite-only test in November.

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