Crypto Milestone: Thailand Officially Approves USD₮ for Legal Trading

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved Tether’s USD₮ (USDT) and Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) as recognized cryptocurrencies.

This approval, effective from March 16, 2025, permits their trade on regulated exchanges and use in payments, signaling a significant advancement in Thailand’s financial landscape. This move reflects Thailand’s progressive stance on digital assets.

Thailand Evolving Crypto Regulations

Before this development, Thailand’s SEC had a limited list of approved cryptocurrencies for investment and trading, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and Stellar (XLM). The inclusion of USDT and USDC follows a public consultation in February 2025, during which the majority of respondents supported the proposal.

However, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved USD₮. The SEC has led the creation of a clear and supportive regulatory environment for digital assets. Under the Digital Asset Decree (2018), cryptocurrencies and digital tokens are classified as digital assets, with strict guidelines for their issuance, trading, and use.

To ensure compliance, Tether, and other stablecoin issuers must meet stringent requirements, which include reserve backing, transparency, AML, and KYC measures

Thailand’s Strategy for Digital Asset Integration

This regulatory update aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to integrate digital assets into its economy. The SEC is also preparing new regulations to streamline the issuance of electronic securities and the online purchase of debentures, aiming to modernize capital markets and leverage distributed ledger technology (DLT) to enhance efficiency in securities trading.

The approval of USDT and USDC is expected to enhance liquidity in Thailand’s cryptocurrency market, offering investors more options for trading and hedging. It also positions Thailand as a forward-thinking nation in the realm of digital finance, potentially attracting more blockchain-based businesses and investors to the country.

Thailand’s official recognition of USDT and USDC marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward embracing digital assets. This move not only provides more flexibility and options for investors but also underscores Thailand’s commitment to fostering innovation in its financial sector. As the global cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, Thailand’s proactive approach may serve as a model for other nations considering similar integrations of digital assets into their economies.