Thailand Plans to Broaden Crypto ETF Market Beyond Bitcoin

Highlights:

• Thai SEC works with regulators to draft rules for expanding the crypto ETF market
• Younger investors drive demand as regulators plan safer and broader crypto exposure.
• Thailand launches an Ethereum ETF while the U.S. prepares a wave of multiple crypto funds.

Thailand is preparing to open the market for new exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds will be backed by digital assets beyond the usual Bitcoin-based ETFs that are already in the market. A Bloomberg report said that Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon confirmed the plan. 

Budsaratragoon explained that the agency is working with other regulators to draft new rules to support these digital asset ETFs. The aim is to expand the market and attract more investors. By offering ETFs linked to different cryptocurrencies, the SEC hopes to build stronger investor interest. Local mutual funds and institutions will provide these new ETFs. They will be available to both local and foreign investors.

Rising Demand from Young Investors

Addressing the rising demand for cryptocurrencies in Thailand, Pornanong said that many investors, especially younger ones, want to include digital assets in their portfolios as a way to diversify. He explained that the regulators see their main role as making it easier for investors to gain this exposure.

Sharing more on his vision, Pornanong added that the agency is focused on creating clear rules and safe options for people who wish to invest in cryptocurrencies. “Our possibility now is to broaden the criteria for the crypto such as a basket of cryptocurrencies. We want to have broader supply of those crypto assets in the ETFs,” she added.

Thailand is working to expand its domestic cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund plans beyond Bitcoin to include other digital tokens, with the rollout expected early next year, according to the market regulator https://t.co/7NEq1Sw0IM

— Bloomberg (@business) October 2, 2025

Thailand Expands Crypto ETF Plans as Global Markets Surge

With the regulators supporting ETF expansion, investors now expect the launch of local funds. These funds will include a wider mix of digital assets such as Ethereum, Solana, and other popular altcoins. Thailand has already launched its first Ethereum ETF, named the MFC Ethereum ETF Tracker Fund. This fund allows institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals to get regulated exposure to Ethereum. It marks an important step in opening more choices for investors in the country.

This announcement comes at a time when Crypto ETFs are booming in the U.S. markets. Experts have already called October the “ETF Month,” because the SEC is expected to approve as many as 16 different funds. These upcoming ETFs will cover a range of digital assets, including Solana, Ripple’s XRP, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and others. This strong wave of approvals shows the rising demand for crypto-based investment products.

Strong Local Interest and Strict Oversight

At the end of last year, Thailand had more than 270,000 active crypto trading accounts, which shows a strong appetite for digital assets. This rising demand adds weight to the regulators’ move toward approving new ETFs backed by cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, and other altcoins. The Thai government is also preparing to launch a cryptocurrency sandbox for foreign tourists. In July, the program moved into the public hearing stage.

At the same time, authorities have kept a strict approach to enforcement. In June, the SEC blocked access to five unlicensed exchanges, including Bybit and OKX. Officials warned that these platforms were offering trading to Thai users without approval.

JUST IN: 🇹🇭 Thailand's SEC and central bank to launch national crypto sandbox, enabling foreign tourists to convert digital assets into Thai baht for local spending – Bangkok Post. pic.twitter.com/ptBfuILepS

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) July 17, 2025