Thailand Seeks to Regulate Foreign Cryptocurrency Platforms to Combat Online Financial Crime

Thailand has enacted new legal amendments to oversee foreign cryptocurrency services and combat online financial crime.

Thailand has approved new legal amendments to regulate foreign crypto services and prevent online financial crime. These changes aim to enhance the security of digital financial transactions and protect consumers from potential fraud.

• Thailand has approved new legal amendments to regulate digital asset businesses and prevent cybercrime, which include strict penalties for unregulated foreign crypto peer-to-peer platforms operating in the country.
• The new laws allow Thai authorities to suspend suspicious transactions, force crypto asset service providers to report scam-related activity, and block foreign platforms from servicing local users, with commercial banks, telecom companies, and social media platforms also facing joint responsibilities for damages caused by cybercrimes if they fail to follow preventive standards.
• Despite the crackdown on unregulated crypto activities, Thailand continues to engage with the crypto sector in measured ways, considering the adoption of spot Bitcoin ETFs, preparing to roll out a blockchain-based trading platform for securities firms, and planning a Bitcoin payment sandbox for crypto tourism payments.

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that the cabinet has approved updates to emergency decrees, introducing measures to regulate digital asset businesses and prevent cybercrime. The new laws target foreign crypto peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison, fines reaching $8,700 (300,000 baht), or both.

The changes allow authorities to suspend suspicious transactions, force crypto asset service providers (CASPs) to report scam-related activity, and block foreign platforms from servicing local users. Commercial banks, telecom companies, and social media platforms will also face joint responsibilities for damages caused by cybercrimes if they fail to follow preventive standards. The law aims to prevent crypto misuse for money laundering and reduce public damage from online crimes through joint enforcement with digital agencies.

Last month, Thai police raided five unlicensed crypto firms, arresting 11 people and seizing equipment tied to a $29.3 million e-money operation. Despite the crackdown, Thailand is considering allowing spot Bitcoin ETFs and preparing to roll out a blockchain-based trading platform for securities firms. The country is also considering a stablecoin backed by government bonds and planning a Bitcoin payment sandbox to test crypto tourism payments in Phuket later this year.

By implementing stricter regulations, the Thai government seeks to establish a more transparent and accountable framework for cryptocurrency operations within the country. This move is expected to attract more legitimate crypto businesses while deterring illicit activities that exploit the anonymity of digital currencies. Furthermore, the amendments will facilitate cooperation with international regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with global standards, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to fostering a safe and innovative financial environment.