Thailand adopts crypto Travel Rule with self-custody checks

Thailand's SEC issued crypto Travel Rule regulations requiring digital asset operators to verify control of self-custodial wallets. Operators must perform the checks when customers send crypto to or receive it from those wallets. Operators must collect information about parties involved in crypto transfers. Operators must retain information accompanying every digital asset transaction for at least five years. Operators must make those records available for regulatory examination. The rules take effect on Feb. 27, 2027. Crypto businesses will have nearly six months to develop systems for transmitting, receiving and monitoring transaction information. SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the rules aim to reduce the risk of digital asset operators being used for money laundering and terrorist financing. The rules follow two rounds of public consultation this year. The consultations began with proposed principles in March and a draft notification in June. The SEC said most stakeholders supported the proposals. FATF estimated that 83% of surveyed jurisdictions had passed Travel Rule legislation as of 2026. On Monday, the SEC proposed allowing intermediaries to offer retail investors access to certain crypto derivatives traded on regulated overseas exchanges. The regulator also advanced draft rules for spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. The regulator is seeking feedback on requirements for foreign digital asset custodians used by funds investing in crypto.