Thailand regulates cryptocurrency rather than banning it. The Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 (2018) defines digital assets as cryptocurrency and digital tokens, requires a licence for six types of digital asset business, and requires public token offerings to go through an SEC-approved ICO portal. For a business, the question is less whether crypto is legal than which licence or route its activity needs.
Who this is for
Businesses planning to operate, issue or invest in digital assets in Thailand, and offshore operators with Thai users. This article is about businesses; it does not cover personal tax.
How Thai law treats crypto businesses
| Activity | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange, broker, dealer, fund manager, advisor, custodial wallet provider | Licence from the Minister of Finance on the SEC's recommendation | Emergency Decree section 26 |
| Licence applicant | Must be a Thai limited or public limited company | Ministry of Finance licensing notification |
| Operator outside Thailand serving people in Thailand | Covered by the licensing rule unless the SEC exempts the service | Section 26 para 3 |
| Public offering of new digital tokens | SEC permission, registration statement and prospectus, SEC-approved ICO portal | Sections 17 and 19 |
| Operating without a licence | Penalties may apply | Section 66 |
What Corporly does here
Start with the guide Starting a Digital-Asset Business in Thailand, or go straight to the licence assessment, the token offering assessment or market entry for offshore operators.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Digital assets
No. It is regulated under the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561, which defines digital assets as cryptocurrency and digital tokens.
Find the route for your activity
Answer a short questionnaire about the token, activities, customers and custody. The first step is free.