Thailand is soon to allow local Bitcoin spot ETFs. Bloomberg reports.
Although institutional and high-net worth Thais can invest indirectly in Bitcoin via the fund-of funds Bitcoin ETF that One Asset Management launched in June last year, retail investors are not as fortunate to have access like those living in other countries.
Pornanongbudsaratragoon is the Secretary-General for Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission. Bloomberg In a Press Conference: “Like it or not, we have to move along with more adoption of cryptocurrencies worldwide.”
“We have to adapt and ensure that our investors have more options in crypto assets with proper protection,” She also added.
Thailand’s leaders have not just proposed legalizing ETFs as a crypto-investment option for the mainstream.
Thaksin Shiawatra, Thailand’s former Prime Minister, has said that the nation should issue stablecoins, which are backed by bonds issued by the government, for both retail and institutional investors.
Shinawatra also proposed allowing companies with the strongest credit ratings to issue their own stablecoins—backed by their corporate bonds—as a low-cost way to raise capital.
In 2024 the U.S. will legalize Bitcoin ETFs after nearly a decade of rejections by regulatory agencies. Funds have received huge inflows, particularly after Donald Trump was elected. Hong Kong and Australia, two other major economies that have allowed Bitcoin ETFs since April 2024 followed Hong Kong’s lead.
The fact that Bitcoin ETFs have been so popular among U.S. investors is no surprise.
Data from CoinGlass shows that spot Bitcoin ETFs received inflows exceeding $900 million at least four times, in 2024. This was repeated twice in the beginning of 2025.
This news follows Thailand’s announcement earlier in the week that it would launch a pilot crypto-payment program on Phuket Island, allowing tourists to register and pay with Bitcoin.
But the Southeast Asian nation isn’t steadfast in its support of crypto.
Bloomberg Law reported earlier in the week that Thai authorities are considering a proposal to prohibit crypto-betting platform Polymarket. This is a move which will also be taken by Singapore. Thai police reported that Polymarket was illegally offering betting services as the cryptocurrency could not be legally used in gambling.
Stacy Elliott is the editor.