Thailand prepares to allow the launch of altcoin-linked ETFs

Pornanong Budsaratragoon, Secretary-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC), announced that the agency intends to expand the country’s cryptocurrency market by allowing the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to altcoins. This decision, she said, will stimulate the development of the financial sector and attract new investors interested in digital assets.

Expanding Opportunities for Investors

The SEC is currently working with other government agencies to develop regulations that will allow local investment firms and funds to launch ETFs linked not only to Bitcoin but also to other cryptoassets—specifically, Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL). Furthermore, the new investment products will be able to include multiple cryptocurrencies simultaneously, giving investors the opportunity to diversify risks and generate income from several digital assets simultaneously.

Crypto ETFs Coming in 2026

According to Budsaratragoon, new ETFs could appear as early as early next year. The regulator aims to expand the market beyond Bitcoin and create a safer and more transparent environment for investing in cryptocurrencies. The Secretary-General noted that Thai investors currently have limited legal options for purchasing digital assets.

While citizens can purchase cryptocurrencies through online exchanges, such transactions are fraught with significant risks: high price volatility, the potential for fraud, and insufficient regulatory oversight.

Capital Flight and New Regulations

Some investors already use licensed fund managers who invest in foreign crypto ETFs, primarily American ones. This leads to capital flowing abroad from Thai investors, Budsaratragoon emphasized. New local ETFs will help keep funds in the country and make the market more competitive.

Previously Adopted Measures

Back in March 2025, the Thai SEC permitted management companies to create funds to invest in US-based Bitcoin spot ETFs. However, such investments were only available to large companies and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The regulator’s new move aims to make cryptocurrency investments accessible to a wider range of market participants.

Thai authorities hope that the launch of an altcoin ETF will be an important step in the development of the national financial sector and will strengthen the country’s position as a leader in crypto innovation in Asia.