Business

Thailand: from Holiday Paradise to Blockchain Heaven?

Asia Pacific’s blockchain industry is growing fast, and Thailand wants to seize the opportunity. The country is creating blockchain-friendly regulations, and the government is driving its own blockchain projects.

While most western governments have yet to catch up with blockchain technology, Thai regulators have made fast and notable progress.

From crypto exchanges and ICO regulations to government-run blockchain projects, Thailand is moving forward. As a result, the country has attracted more foreign investment and has emerged as one of the leading blockchain players in Southeast Asia.

SET will apply for a crypto license

According to a report in the Bangkok Post, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is going to apply for a license to offer cryptocurrency trading. If Thailand’s largest stock exchange launches a crypto platform, the legitimacy of digital currencies will get a significant boost.

Pattera Dilokrungthirapop, SET’s vice-chairwoman, said the exchange is planning to expand into the crypto sector because there is a growing trend in Thailand to invest in digital assets.

The SET’s chances to get the license are good. Regulators in Thailand seem open to crypto trading and legalized seven digital currencies last year: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, Ripple, and Stellar.

Moreover, the Ministry of Thailand has just recently granted a license to three new cryptocurrency exchanges.

If the ministry grants the license to the SET, it could become one of just a few stock exchanges worldwide that operate both, a digital asset exchange and a separate stock exchange.

Such a model could turn out highly successful, as the digital assets exchange could build on the SET’s reputation and existing client base.

Thailand builds its blockchain ecosystem

The Thai government is actively trying to erase roadblocks for blockchain businesses.

In July, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued guidelines for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). It categorized ICOs into three types: investment tokes, utility tokens, and cryptocurrencies.

The Thai government is also testing its own blockchain initiatives.

The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec) is working on the development of a blockchain-powered voting platform.

The Thai Bond Market Association (TBMA) is experimenting with a blockchain-based bond registrar services platform for corporate bond transactions. The aim is to create a “BondCoin” for a Swift clearing and settlements system.

Just last week, the Bank of Thailand announced its plans for “Project Inthanon,” a central bank digital currency. Other central banks in the Asia Pacific region such as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore are working on similar projects.

Foreign investors have noticed the changes

Thailand’s openness to blockchain technology and the speed at which it creates blockchain-friendly regulations have attracted international investors.

IBM is cooperating with one of Thailand’s largest financial institutions, Krungsri, to build out digital banking using blockchain technology. The Korean-based crypto exchange Bithumb said it will open in Thailand after receiving regulatory approval.

Thailand is moving fast, and that’s for good reasons. Blockchain technology offers opportunities for the country to diversify its economy and foster innovation.

Lukas Hofer

Lukas J. Hofer is a business writer and has years of experience in financial services and international business. He has a proven track record working with leading international companies and currently works as independent business consultant in Asia.

Related Articles

129 Comments

  1. Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

  2. I cherished up to you’ll receive performed proper here. The cartoon is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get bought an shakiness over that you want be handing over the following. ill definitely come more before once more since precisely the similar nearly a lot often within case you protect this increase.

  3. In this awesome scheme of things you actually receive an A for hard work. Where you confused me personally was on your specifics. You know, people say, details make or break the argument.. And that could not be more true here. Having said that, allow me inform you just what did give good results. The text can be extremely powerful which is probably the reason why I am making an effort in order to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, whilst I can notice a jumps in reason you come up with, I am definitely not confident of how you appear to connect the details which in turn help to make your conclusion. For the moment I shall yield to your issue but wish in the future you actually connect the dots better.

  4. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  5. Whats up! I simply want to give an enormous thumbs up for the good info you have right here on this post. I will probably be coming back to your weblog for more soon.

  6. fantastic put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

  7. One thing I want to say is always that car insurance termination is a horrible experience and if you’re doing the best things as being a driver you will not get one. Lots of people do receive the notice that they have been officially dropped by the insurance company they then have to scramble to get extra insurance after the cancellation. Low-cost auto insurance rates are generally hard to get from cancellation. Having the main reasons pertaining to auto insurance cancellation can help owners prevent getting rid of in one of the most critical privileges out there. Thanks for the ideas shared through your blog.

  8. Thanks for expressing your ideas. One thing is that students have a solution between fed student loan and a private student loan where its easier to opt for student loan debt consolidation reduction than in the federal education loan.

  9. I should say also believe that mesothelioma is a unusual form of many forms of cancer that is normally found in those previously familiar with asbestos. Cancerous cells form inside mesothelium, which is a protective lining that covers most of the body’s areas. These cells ordinarily form inside lining of the lungs, mid-section, or the sac which encircles the heart. Thanks for discussing your ideas.

  10. What i do not realize is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it?s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

Close