Thailand Imposes Tough Rules on Digital Asset Operators

Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a new regulation aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering (AML) and international regulatory alignment in the digital asset sector.

The Crypto Travel Rule, which was developed with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), requires digital asset operators to verify ownership of self-custodial wallets during transfers. Operators must also collect detailed information on customers and their counterparties, conduct due diligence checks before each transfer, and verify the standing of counterparty digital asset service providers.

The rule's key feature is its requirement for operators to confirm ownership or control of self-hosted wallets before sending or accepting funds. This will help close a gap in oversight that previously allowed limited monitoring of peer-to-peer transfers.

The new regulation sets a February 27, 2027 compliance deadline for covered firms and aims to enhance confidence in Thailand's digital asset ecosystem. The SEC expects the framework to support stronger connectivity with international digital asset markets and reinforce operators' responsibility for overseeing customer transactions properly.