The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has finalized regulations allowing spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF on the Thai Stock Exchange starting from October 16, 2026.
The new framework includes 11 regulatory notices covering encrypted ETF transactions and investor protection.
However, under this new framework, there are currently no specific Bitcoin or Ethereum ETF products that have been approved.
Thailand has approved relevant regulations, allowing Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETF to be traded on the Thai Stock Exchange starting from October 16, 2026. This move opens up a regulated channel for retail and institutional investors to gain exposure to crypto assets through local investment funds.
However, these rules do not imply that the specific ETF product has been approved, and strict safeguard measures will still apply.
Thailand finalizes rules for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF
On October 8th, the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) finalized 11 notices to establish rules for cryptocurrency ETF. The regulator stated that these rules are aimed at providing investors with more choices while also better safeguarding the security of their funds.
According to the new regulations, each ETF must track the price of only one cryptocurrency. In the initial phase, these funds can only track Bitcoin or Ethereum. On an annual average across the entire fiscal year, each fund must invest at least 80% of its value in the selected cryptocurrency.
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has also established rules regarding the custody of these crypto assets. Funds must use local crypto asset custodian institutions that have been approved by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission.
Asset management companies must also demonstrate that they have the appropriate personnel, systems, and service providers to operate such funds securely.
Thailand prohibits providing guaranteed financial services to investors in encrypted ETF.
In addition to the hosting requirements, the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has also introduced safeguards to prevent excessive borrowing. Brokers will be prohibited from providing margin loans or leveraged financing to investors who purchase the crypto ETF.
At the same time, the new regulations have also expanded the scope of participation for local investment institutions. Thai mutual funds and private equity funds will be allowed to invest in locally established crypto ETF, providing another pathway for institutional funds to enter the market.
However, retail investors will still be restricted from investing through overseas cryptocurrencies ETF and related depositary receipts offered by Thai brokers. Such investment channels are only available to institutional investors and individuals with extremely high net worth.
No confirmation of the issuance of ETF yet.
Although the framework will come into effect on October 16, the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has not yet approved any specific Bitcoin or Ethereum ETF products.
The new regulations only set conditions for funds to enter the market, but whether they are actually launched still depends on whether the relevant products meet these requirements.
Therefore, as Thailand opens its stock exchanges to regulated crypto investments, the availability of suitable products and market liquidity will still be important factors.
