Thailand has taken a major step toward deeper crypto integration after formally approving the use of digital assets in its regulated derivatives market.
Key Takeaways
Thailand has approved crypto such as Bitcoin as underlying assets for regulated futures and options.
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission will update licensing rules to allow crypto-linked derivatives products.
Digital assets can now be used as collateral, strengthening Thailand’s push to become a regional digital finance hub.
On February 10, 2026, the Thai Cabinet backed a proposal from the Finance Ministry to amend the Derivatives Act B.E. 2546 (2003), clearing the way for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to serve as underlying assets for futures and options contracts.
The move positions Thailand among a small but growing group of jurisdictions allowing crypto exposure within fully regulated derivatives frameworks, signaling that digital assets are being treated more like established financial instruments rather than speculative outliers.
What Changes Under the New Framework
The reform broadens the definition of permissible “goods and variables” under the Derivatives Act to include digital assets and carbon credits. This expansion gives regulators flexibility to structure new financial products tied to blockchain-based assets.
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission is now drafting follow-up rules that will adjust derivatives business licenses. Once finalized, licensed digital asset operators will be allowed to offer contracts referencing cryptocurrencies and other newly approved asset classes.
At the same time, the SEC is working with the Thailand Futures Exchange to design contract specifications that properly account for crypto’s volatility and risk profile. Margin requirements, position limits, and disclosure rules are expected to reflect the unique characteristics of digital assets.
Another notable shift is the approval of digital assets as collateral for derivatives and capital market products. This change could enhance capital efficiency for institutional participants while deepening liquidity in Thailand’s financial ecosystem.
Part of a Broader Digital Strategy
The derivatives approval is not an isolated decision. It forms part of Thailand’s 2026 capital markets roadmap aimed at transforming the country into a regional digital asset hub.
Authorities are preparing for domestically listed crypto ETFs on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, expected in early 2026. In parallel, a tax incentive introduced in 2025 grants a 0% personal income tax rate on capital gains from trades executed on licensed local exchanges through the end of 2029.
Stablecoin regulation has also advanced. USD-backed stablecoins were approved for local trading in 2025, while Baht-backed versions remain under consideration. However, retail crypto payments for everyday goods and services continue to be prohibited under current central bank policy.
Balancing Innovation With Oversight
Thai regulators have emphasized that the expansion into crypto derivatives will be accompanied by strict supervisory standards. Disclosure requirements, capital thresholds, and risk management rules are expected to be strengthened to prevent systemic vulnerabilities.
By integrating digital assets into a regulated derivatives environment rather than leaving them solely in spot markets, Thailand appears to be pursuing a controlled but forward-looking approach. The strategy suggests a long-term vision where crypto operates within the same legal and risk-management architecture as traditional financial products.
If implemented effectively, the framework could attract regional capital flows and institutional participation, reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to become a leading digital finance center in Southeast Asia.
