In 2025 Thailand emerged as the leader in Southeast Asia in crypto market growth rates: according to the latest Chainalysis report, the volume of digital asset transactions in the country increased by 65% year-on-year, and the number of registered crypto companies exceeded 400. Surprising? Back in 2021 most international investors regarded Thailand as an “experimental site” for blockchain startups, and today the country sets regulatory standards for the whole region.
Why was such rapid growth possible here? The reason is a bold reform: from 2025 new cryptocurrency regulation rules in Thailand came into force, which radically changed conditions for businesses, investors and tech companies. The Digital Assets Act, updated SEC requirements, capital gains tax exemption and the launch of a regulatory sandbox — these steps not only strengthened control but also opened new opportunities for crypto legalization, business scaling and attracting investment.
In this article I, Nikita Veremeev, CEO COREDO, offer not just an overview: you will get answers to key questions, learn about real cases from COREDO’s practice and receive tools for decision-making.
If you want to understand how cryptocurrency regulation in Thailand in 2025 affects your business — read on.
Cryptocurrency in Thailand: Regulation 2025
LSI-terms: Royal Decree on the Digital Asset Businesses, SEC license Thailand, compliance for crypto business, anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC)
Digital Assets Act and the SEC
At the heart of the reform lies the updated Digital Asset Act of Thailand (Digital Asset Business Legislation), which covers crypto exchanges, brokers, dealers, ICO platforms, custodial services and digital wallet operators. All activity with digital tokens, utility and security tokens now requires an SEC Thailand license: this applies to both local and foreign companies.
SEC Thailand has strengthened the role of the regulator: it now not only issues licenses but also enforces AML/KYC requirements, conducts audits and monitors operations. The central bank is responsible for stablecoins and control of payment services, integrating the Royal Decree on the Digital Asset Businesses with banking standards.
New rules for crypto platforms and foreign companies
From 2025 foreign crypto exchanges in Thailand are obliged to undergo localization: open a legal entity, appoint a local director, use Thai bank accounts and integrate national AML services. A license for foreign crypto platforms in Thailand is granted only on condition of full compliance with the new SEC standards, including implementation of FATF algorithms and participation in the regulatory sandbox.
COREDO’s practice confirms: for non-residents the key challenge became Due Diligence according to Thai standards and the need for a transparent capital structure. One of the tasks that the COREDO team solved for a client from the EU: the development of a hybrid scheme of cross-border operations through a licensed Thai platform, which made it possible to minimize risks and comply with SEC requirements.
Regulatory sandbox for innovation
Thailand actively implements a regulatory sandbox for testing new products: the TouristDigiPay program allows foreign tourists to use digital wallets and stablecoins without full registration, which stimulates the development of blockchain projects and DeFi. Pilot projects receive temporary licenses and undergo accelerated compliance checks.
License for crypto business in Thailand
LSI terms: SEC license Thailand, legal entity registration, compliance, KYC, AML
Requirements for a legal entity’s business structure
The following will be required to register a crypto company in Thailand in 2025:
- Legal form: most often, Public Company Limited (PCL) or Private Limited Company (PLC).
- Authorized capital: minimum 50 million THB for exchanges, 10 million THB for brokers, 5 million THB for custodial services.
- Local director: citizen or resident of Thailand.
- Registered address and office.
- Documents: articles of association, business plan, AML/KYC policy, description of IT infrastructure, information about beneficiaries.
How to obtain an SEC license
licensing stagescrypto business include:
- Preparation of the document package and business plan.
- Submission of an application to SEC Thailand.
- Undergoing due diligence: verification of capital structure, sources of financing, IT systems and AML/KYC policy.
- Audit of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.
- obtaining a license and registration in the national registry of digital asset operators.
Timelines: from 3 to 6 months, cost: from 500 000 THB (excluding authorized capital and IT infrastructure).
Compliance: new requirements for AML and KYC
From 2025 AML requirements/KYC for crypto business in Thailand comply with FATF and MiCAR standards: mandatory automation of client verification, transaction monitoring, data storage for at least 5 years, integration with national registries of suspicious transactions.
COREDO recommends using hybrid solutions: implementation of AI modules for transaction analysis, regular training for staff, integration with international databases on financial crimes.
Taxes on cryptocurrency in Thailand 2025
LSI terms: tax policy, capital gains tax, tax incentives, investment attractiveness
Tax rates and incentives 2025
Main change: exemption from capital gains tax (CGT) for transactions with licensed cryptocurrencies and tokens if operations are conducted through SEC-accredited platforms. The same exemption applies to non-residents provided compliance is observed and the company is registered in Thailand.
Tax incentives apply to investors, companies and startups participating in the regulatory sandbox or implementing asset tokenization projects.
Taxation cases for businesses and investors
Example: a company registered in Thailand sells tokenized assets through an SEC platform. Profit from token sales is exempt from CGT but is subject to corporate tax (20%). For individual investors the exemption applies provided income is declared and KYC is completed.
COREDO recommends automating tax reporting, integrating with the national financial monitoring system and regularly auditing operations.
Cryptocurrencies: investments and risks
LSI terms: investment attractiveness, investor protection, long-term regulatory consequences, blockchain projects, capital migration via crypto
Impact of the new rules on investments
The new SEC regulations and tax policy have increased Thailand’s investment attractiveness: ROI growth for licensed companies reached up to 30% per year, and the volume of venture investments in blockchain projects increased by 40%. Long-term consequences: formation of a sustainable crypto ecosystem, reduction of risks for investors and growth in the number of international M&A deals.
Metrics to assess the market: volume of licensed platforms, average time to obtain a license, share of legalized operations, level of compliance.
Thus, despite increased attractiveness and tighter regulation, foreign investors and companies must consider the specific risks associated with entering the Thai market.
Risks for foreign investors and companies
COREDO’s practice has shown that risk minimization requires implementation of multi-factor protection, regular audits and integration with international monitoring systems.
Future of blockchain and DeFi projects
The DeFi market in Thailand after the reform gained new opportunities: legalization of stablecoins, launch of platforms for tokenization of traditional assets, support for startups in the regulatory sandbox.
Regulation of cryptocurrency in Thailand and the EU
LSI terms: MiCAR, FATF, global regulatory standards, compliance
Thus, diffDifferences and similarities in the approaches of the EU and Asian countries form a unique regulatory landscape, the importance of which is particularly evident in the example of cryptocurrency regulation in Thailand by 2025.
What are the differences and similarities
| Criterion | Thailand 2025 | EU (MiCAR) | Singapore/Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing | SEC, Royal Decree | MiCAR, national | MAS/SFC |
| AML/KYC | Strict, FATF | EU standards, FATF | FATF standards |
| Taxation | CGT exemption, VAT | Capital gains tax | Preferential regime |
| Regulatory sandbox | Yes (TouristDigiPay) | Partially | Yes |
| Investor protection | Enhanced | Enhanced | Enhanced |
Key differences, level of detail in licensing, requirements for business localization, speed of obtaining approvals and access to the regulatory sandbox.
Impact of global standards on local laws
Thailand has integrated FATF and MiCAR standards: requirements for AML/KYC, investor protection, and financial monitoring comply with international norms. For international companies it is important to comply with FATF standards, integrate automated compliance solutions and undergo regular audits.
Recommendations for businesses
LSI terms: compliance, audit, cybersecurity, financial monitoring, transaction transparency, preparation for inspections
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Checklist for licensing:
- Prepare a business plan and capital structure.
- Appoint a local director and register a legal address.
- Implement automated AML/KYC procedures.
- Integrate IT systems with national registries.
- Conduct a cybersecurity audit.
- Submit an application to the SEC and undergo due diligence.
- Reducing tax and legal risks: use SEC-accredited platforms, automate tax reporting, regularly update compliance procedures.
- Choosing partners: prefer companies with experience in the Thai market, integrate solutions for asset tokenization and DeFi.
- Transparency and security of operations: implement multi-factor protection, use international monitoring systems, conduct regular audits.
- Preparation for an audit: document all processes, retain data for at least 5 years, regularly update the AML/KYC policy.
The COREDO team helps clients through all stages of licensing, implement AML best practices, and ensure transaction transparency.
Key advice for investors and entrepreneurs
LSI terms: investment attractiveness, long-term regulatory consequences, innovations in the financial sector
- Main changes: tighter regulation, integration of FATF and MiCAR standards, exemption from capital gains tax, development of the regulatory sandbox.
- Strategic advantages: legalization of cryptocurrency, access to investments, reduced tax burden, support for innovation.
- Main risks: cybersecurity, non-compliance with SEC requirements, fines for violating AML/KYC, restrictions for non-residents.
- Recommendations: implement automated compliance solutions, integrate international standards, prepare for audits and choose partners with proven expertise.
COREDO’s practice shows: success in Thailand’s crypto market requires not only knowledge of the new rules, but also a strategic approach to business structuring, compliance and investor protection. If you plan to enter the market – act systematically, use the opportunities opened by regulation, and trust experts who know the specifics of the region.