Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently expanded its list of approved cryptocurrencies by adding USDC and USDT.
This change will impact investments in digital tokens through initial coin offerings (ICOs) and will broaden the range of cryptocurrencies accepted by ICO portals and digital asset exchanges. The new regulations will come into effect on March 16, 2025.
With this update, USDC and USDT can now be used for ICO investments and as base trading pairs on digital asset exchanges. Previously, only Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Stellar (XLM), and tokens approved for the Bank of Thailand’s Programmable Payment Sandbox were allowed. The inclusion of USDT and USDC is expected to enhance liquidity and investment opportunities in the market.
This decision follows a public consultation held in February 2025, where stakeholders expressed their views on expanding the list of approved cryptocurrencies. Most responses supported the amendment, highlighting the growing importance of stablecoins in the digital asset sector. In response to this feedback, the SEC has formalized the inclusion of USDT and USDC, providing investors and businesses with more flexibility in digital asset transactions.
The update is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to refine its regulatory framework for digital assets. By including these widely used stablecoins, the SEC aims to enhance stability and trust in digital token investments. This move aligns with global trends, as many financial regulators are recognizing the significance of stablecoins in digital finance.
For ICO portals, the new rules will allow issuers to accept USDC and USDT from investors, making transactions smoother. Additionally, exchanges can now list these stablecoins as base pairs, facilitating easier trading of other cryptocurrencies. This change is expected to boost trading volumes and attract more participants to Thailand’s digital asset market.
