Thailand Recognizes Crypto as Derivative Asset Under New Rules

Thailand approves crypto as a derivatives asset, enabling futures, carbon credit products, and upcoming crypto ETFs under new SEC rules.

Areeba Rashid
February 13, 2026
1:14 am

Areeba Rashid

Areeba Rashid is a dedicated crypto news writer with a passion for making complex topics accessible to everyone. She covers the latest developments in the crypto world, including in-depth price analysis, helping readers stay informed and make sense of market trends.

Thailand designates crypto as a derivative asset to expand regulated market access.
The SEC will draft new rules allowing licensed operators to introduce crypto futures trading.
Carbon credits gain variable status, paving the way for new physically delivered futures.

Thailand has taken a major regulatory step by recognizing cryptocurrencies as an underlying asset under the Derivatives Trading Act. The decision follows the government’s approval of the Finance Ministry’s proposal on February 10, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

The new rules allow cryptocurrencies to support regulated futures and options contracts. The update aims to expand Thailand’s derivatives market and bring digital assets under clearer oversight.

Thailand Updates Crypto Oversight Standards

The SEC said cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin will be labeled “permissible goods and variables.” SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon confirmed that her department submitted the proposal in early 2026. She stated that the move will support broader participation in the financial system.

The SEC will then proceed to draft specific regulatory requirements. This will involve amending existing derivatives business licenses to enable digital asset operators to offer crypto futures and options.

Additionally, the SEC will outline specific and strict specifications to manage volatility risks associated with crypto assets.

According to Budsaratragoon, the amendments will enhance risk management. She also noted that the amendments will enable investors to diversify their portfolios in a regulated manner.

Also Read: Malaysia’s Central Bank Launches Groundbreaking Pilot for Digital Assets and Stablecoins!

The Thailand Futures Exchange will assist the SEC in preparing for the launch of new crypto-linked derivatives. This will involve examining the licensing conditions for brokers and clearinghouses to ensure readiness for products such as Bitcoin futures.

Carbon Credit Futures and Crypto ETFs Ahead

Carbon credits will also be reclassified under the amendment. They will be treated as variables rather than goods. This shift will enable the introduction of physically delivered carbon credit futures for local investors.

Thailand’s regulatory roadmap includes additional digital asset products. The SEC plans to roll out crypto exchange-traded funds in 2026. Deputy Secretary-General Jomkwan Kongsakul recently stated that crypto ETFs are expected to launch “early this year.”

Thailand is also exploring digital asset use in tourism. Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira introduced the TouristDigiPay initiative last year. The program aims to allow travelers to convert their digital assets into Thai baht for local spending.