How to buy bitcoin in Thailand
Buying and holding bitcoin is legal in Thailand. The compliant route is an exchange licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand (SEC), where bitcoin is on the approved list of tradable cryptocurrencies. You cannot use bitcoin to pay for goods and services, since a payment ban has been in force since April 2022, and bitcoin is not legal tender.
The rules in detail
Bitcoin is a recognised cryptocurrency under the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses, B.E. 2561 (2018). As of March 2026 it sits on the SEC approved list of cryptocurrencies that licensed exchanges may use, so residents can lawfully buy, hold, and sell it. There is no personal licence requirement for an individual investor.
The practical path is to open an account with an SEC licensed exchange, complete identity verification, fund the account in Thai baht, and place an order. Licensed operators apply anti money laundering and know your customer checks, so expect to verify your identity before trading. You can hold bitcoin on the exchange or move it to a wallet you control; the Thailand wallets page covers custody options.
The main restriction is on spending. As of March 2026 the SEC and the Bank of Thailand prohibit the use of digital assets as a means of payment, so a merchant cannot lawfully be required to accept bitcoin and licensed operators cannot facilitate crypto payments for goods and services. Bitcoin is an asset you can invest in and trade, not a settlement currency, and it is not legal tender.
How to buy compliantly
- Choose an exchange on the current SEC list of licensed operators.
- Complete identity verification and link a Thai bank account or approved funding method.
- Buy bitcoin with Thai baht and keep a record of the purchase price and date.
- Decide on custody, either leaving the asset with the licensed operator or moving it to your own wallet.
- Keep records of disposals for the Revenue Department, even where the capital gains exemption applies.
Tax
As of March 2026 capital gains from selling bitcoin through an SEC licensed Thai operator are exempt from personal income tax for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029 under Ministerial Regulation No. 399, and trading on licensed venues is exempt from value added tax. Gains realised outside licensed Thai operators may be assessable. See the Thailand tax page and confirm with the Revenue Department before filing.
Compare available exchanges in Thailand
Bitcoin is on the SEC approved list, and licensed Thai exchanges let residents buy it with baht. Use the comparison to weigh fees and features across the licensed options.
Compare available exchanges in ThailandRegulator and sources
The regulator is the Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand (SEC), with the Bank of Thailand on payments and the Revenue Department on tax.
- Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses, B.E. 2561 (2018).
- SEC Thailand list of approved cryptocurrencies for licensed exchanges.
- SEC Thailand and Bank of Thailand measures on digital assets as a means of payment, effective 1 April 2022.
- Ministerial Regulation No. 399 (B.E. 2568) on the digital asset capital gains exemption, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it legal to buy bitcoin in Thailand?
- Yes. As of March 2026 buying and holding bitcoin is legal through SEC licensed exchanges, where bitcoin is on the approved list of tradable cryptocurrencies. It cannot be used to pay for goods and services and is not legal tender.
- Where can I buy bitcoin in Thailand?
- Through an exchange licensed by the Thai SEC, such as Bitkub, Bitazza, InnovestX, Orbix, Upbit Thailand, or Gulf Binance. Confirm current licence status on the SEC register before acting.
- Can I pay for things with bitcoin in Thailand?
- No. Since 1 April 2022 the SEC and the Bank of Thailand have barred the use of digital assets as a means of payment for goods and services. You can invest in and trade bitcoin but not use it to settle purchases.
- Do I pay tax when I sell bitcoin in Thailand?
- As of March 2026 capital gains from selling bitcoin through an SEC licensed Thai operator are exempt from personal income tax for 2025 to 2029. Gains outside licensed Thai operators may be assessable. Confirm with the Revenue Department.
- Do I need to verify my identity to buy bitcoin in Thailand?
- Yes. Licensed Thai operators apply anti money laundering and know your customer checks, so you must verify your identity before you can trade.