Thailand Mandates Self-Hosted Wallet Verification Under New Crypto Transfer Rules

Thailand has implemented new crypto transfer rules to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Travel Rule for Digital Assets, issued by Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, will take effect on February 27, 2027.

The rule requires licensed digital asset businesses to verify ownership or control of self-hosted wallets when customers send or receive digital assets through regulated platforms. This includes collecting information about customers and their counterparties whenever digital assets are transferred.

Transfers involving a self-hosted wallet require operators to verify ownership or control of that wallet, while transfers between regulated providers must also include checks on the counterparty virtual asset service provider and any intermediary operator involved in the transaction route.

The new obligation falls on licensed intermediaries when assets enter or leave their platforms, rather than prohibiting users from holding private keys or transferring assets directly between self-hosted wallets. Self-custody itself remains available.