Thailand finalises Bitcoin ETF rules

Thailand has taken a decisive step towards regulated crypto investment products. On 9 October 2026, the country's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finalised rules that allow exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking Bitcoin and Ether to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The framework takes effect on 16 October 2026.

The decision follows two rounds of public consultation this year: one on the general principles in April and May, and another on the draft regulations in August and September. According to the regulator, most respondents supported the proposals.

What the new rules allow

In the first phase, only two digital assets are eligible: Bitcoin and Ether. Each ETF must be a passive fund that tracks a single asset and trades only on the main Thai stock exchange. To make sure the products really deliver the exposure investors expect, every fund must keep an average net exposure of at least 80 percent of its net asset value to its underlying asset over each accounting year.

Fund assets must be held with digital asset custodians licensed by the Thai SEC. Asset managers may only outsource certain services to licensed digital asset fund managers, and qualified digital asset firms can supervise crypto ETFs if they meet requirements on financial standing, staff and operational systems.

Investor protection comes first

The framework includes several safeguards. Securities firms are not allowed to offer margin loans to finance purchases of crypto ETFs, which limits the use of borrowed money. Investors must also acknowledge the risks of crypto ETFs before they can trade them.

At the same time, the rules keep the market focused at home. During the initial phase, depositary receipts linked to foreign crypto ETFs are not permitted, and securities firms cannot arrange investments in overseas crypto ETFs for retail clients. Institutional and ultra-high-net-worth investors can still access foreign products directly.

A new door for Thai funds

One of the most practical changes concerns professional money managers. Thai mutual funds and private funds will be allowed to invest in crypto ETFs established in Thailand. Until now, their crypto ETF exposure was limited to products listed abroad. This could create steady demand for the first local funds once they are launched.

What happens next

The rules taking effect does not mean ETFs will appear on the exchange immediately. Before launching, each issuer has to register its fund, obtain product approval, secure a listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and arrange custody with a licensed provider. Market participants have said that success will depend on competitive fees, close tracking of the underlying asset and good investor education.

Why it matters

Thailand joins a growing list of markets that are bringing digital assets into regulated investment structures. For everyday investors, an ETF on a familiar stock exchange removes some of the practical hurdles of buying and storing Bitcoin or Ether directly. For the wider industry, clear rules on custody, exposure and leverage show how regulators in Asia are trying to balance access with protection.

As more countries set out frameworks for digital assets, the line between traditional finance and blockchain-based money continues to narrow, a trend that also shapes how people pay, save and move money across borders.

What it means for ODIX Pay users

ODIX Pay does not offer ETFs; its app focuses on everyday money services such as international transfers. If you are asking what is a stablecoin, it is a digital token built to keep a steady value, usually one US dollar. In the ODIX Pay app you can buy crypto with a credit card or debit card, choosing the dollar stablecoins USDT or USDC. Availability depends on your country, and every fee is shown before you confirm. See how to buy USDT and USDC with your card.