Thailand opens door to locally listed bitcoin and ether ETFs under rules effective October 16, 2026

Thailand’s securities regulator has allowed local asset managers to launch ETFs tracking bitcoin or ether for trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The new rules take effect on October 16, 2026, but that does not mean an individual ETF will begin trading on that date.

Bitcoin and ether are the only cryptocurrencies initially eligible. Each eligible ETF must maintain an average exposure of at least 80% of net assets to a single cryptocurrency. ETF assets must be held by a custodian regulated by Thai authorities.

Investor-protection rules also impose trading restrictions: brokers may not provide margin loans for purchases of crypto ETFs, and retail investors are restricted from investing in overseas crypto ETFs and related depositary receipts. Before a retail investor buys a locally listed crypto ETF, the broker must explain the product’s features and risks, and the investor must confirm that they understand those risks.

Thai mutual funds and private funds may invest in locally listed crypto ETFs, subject to existing investment limits.

The Thai Digital Asset Association said local institutions and traditional stock-market investors have limited interest in digital assets, and ETFs have not gained significant popularity in Thailand.