Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the use of USDT, the US dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Tether, for trading and use in payments within the country.
In a global context where cryptocurrencies are gaining ground as an alternative to traditional financial systems, Thailand has taken a significant step by allowing the use of USDT, one of the most widely used stablecoins worldwide. The country's Securities and Exchange Commission has formally authorized the listing and use of USDT in payments, within a well-defined regulatory framework.
This decision reflects the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the region, while positioning Thailand as a benchmark in the integration of blockchain technologies into its financial system.
TRADE WITH STABLECOINSUSDT, being a stablecoin linked to the US dollar, offers stability in a market characterized by the volatility of other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
With this approval, Thai companies will be able to offer USDT-related services, including online payments, under the supervision of financial authorities. This is therefore a move that seeks to balance technological innovation with consumer protection, setting a precedent that could influence other Southeast Asian countries.
Thailand's regulatory framework: key to USDT adoption
The approval of USDT in Thailand was not a hasty process. Rather, the SEC conducted a thorough analysis of the risks and benefits associated with this stablecoin, as well as regulations implemented in other jurisdictions. The primary goal was to ensure that USDT met standards of transparency, security, and consumer protection.
In this regard, Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said In a recent post, “Thailand’s progressive approach to digital asset regulation sets a global benchmark, and Tether is proud to see USDT playing a pivotal role in driving economic progress and digital transformation in the region.”
Ardoino is committed to supporting the long-term success and adoption of stablecoins in Thailand and contributing to the growth of the country’s digital asset ecosystem, all with the aim of driving the construction of a robust and sustainable stablecoin infrastructure.
The impact on payments and commercial transactions
The approval of USDT in Thailand opens up a range of possibilities for businesses and consumers. One of the main advantages of this stablecoin is its ability to facilitate fast, secure and low-fee transactions, both domestically and internationally. Therefore, for Thai companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, this represents an opportunity to expand into global markets.
By integrating USDT as a payment method, these businesses can reduce the costs associated with traditional bank transfers and streamline foreign trade processes. For example, a farmer in a rural area can receive payments in USDT for his products, thus avoiding high commissions from financial intermediaries. Additionally, accepting USDT as a payment method in physical stores and e-commerce platforms will allow merchants to attract a wider audience, including tourists and residents who already use cryptocurrencies.
In line with the above, USDT transactions also offer advantages for consumers. By avoiding local currency fluctuations, users can protect their purchasing power and make international payments more easily and cheaply.
LINK CARD AND EARNThailand, a benchmark in cryptocurrency adoption in Southeast Asia
According to Tether, Thailand has already become One of the most digital asset friendly jurisdictions in recent years. The company stressed that the country is among the top 20 countries globally in terms of adoption, with USDT accounting for around 40% of digital asset trading volumes.
Taking this into account, the approval of USDT by the Securities Commission reinforces Thailand’s position as a leader in the adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies in the region. The country has demonstrated great openness to financial innovation, which has allowed for the creation of a vibrant ecosystem of companies and startups focused on these technologies.
Among the initiatives that highlight Thailand as an innovation-friendly environment are the creation of a regulatory sandbox for fintech companies and the issuance of government bonds using blockchain technology. These initiatives reflect a long-term vision, through which Thailand seeks to position itself as a financial innovation hub in Asia.
INVITE AND WINInvesting in cryptoassets is not fully regulated, may not be suitable for retail investors due to high volatility and there is a risk of losing all invested amounts.
