Thailand Approves Crypto Derivatives as Bitcoin Gains Official Asset Status

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to formally integrate digital assets into the country’s regulated derivatives market, recognizing cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin as legitimate investment assets.

The announcement, made by the Securities and Exchange Commission Thailand on February 11, 2026, permits digital assets to serve as underlying instruments for futures and options contracts.

The decision marks a structural shift in Thailand’s capital markets framework, moving crypto from a parallel trading ecosystem into mainstream financial infrastructure.

Legal Amendments and Market Integration

The Thai SEC will now revise the Derivatives Act B.E. 2546 (2003) to include digital assets and carbon credits as approved underlying variables. This legislative update will enable licensed operators to offer crypto-linked derivatives products within a regulated environment.

The regulator is coordinating with the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) to establish contract specifications and supervisory standards for clearing houses. These steps are designed to ensure that digital asset derivatives meet the same compliance and risk management requirements as traditional financial contracts.

The reforms also align with the SEC’s broader 2026 roadmap, which includes launching crypto exchange-traded funds to expand institutional participation.

Expanded Use Cases for Digital Assets

Under the new framework, digital assets will be eligible for use as collateral in derivatives and capital markets transactions. This integration enhances capital efficiency and aligns Thailand’s regulatory model more closely with global financial standards.

The SEC has recommended that investors with higher risk tolerance consider allocating approximately 4–5% of diversified portfolios to digital assets, positioning crypto as a recognized alternative asset class rather than a speculative outlier.

To encourage domestic trading activity, Thailand has also removed capital gains tax on digital asset transactions executed through licensed exchanges from 2025 through 2029.

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Payment Restrictions Remain

Despite the expansion of investment use cases, the Bank of Thailand continues to prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies as a general means of payment for goods and services.

The policy distinction reflects a dual-track approach: encouraging regulated financial market integration while maintaining strict controls over retail payment usage.

Thailand’s latest reform positions the country as one of the more progressive jurisdictions in Asia for crypto derivatives integration, potentially accelerating institutional engagement within a structured regulatory environment.

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