How to Buy Crypto in Thailand

By 2025, Thailand’s cryptocurrency market has expanded noticeably: the user base has exceeded 8 million people, and monthly trading volumes amount to hundreds of billions of baht. Digital assets are now a regular part of financial activity, used not just for investment but also for money transfers and online settlements.

If you’re just getting started in this field, the first question is usually simple: where and how can you buy cryptocurrency in Thailand? In this article, we’ll go through the main options and share tips to help you avoid unnecessary risks.

Is It Legal to Buy Cryptocurrencies in Thailand?

Cryptocurrencies are legal in Thailand, and anyone can buy or hold them through licensed platforms. The market is regulated by three authorities — the SEC, the Bank of Thailand (BoT), and the Ministry of Finance (MoF). Coins like Bitcoin are treated as investment assets, not as a legal tender. So you won’t be able to pay for groceries with crypto, but you can trade it freely within the rules.

Anyone investing in crypto needs to pass KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, and exchanges must be AML-complaint. They verify users, keep track of unusual activity, and report it when necessary. Profits from trading are taxed just like other forms of income. So if you use licensed services and follow the regulations, dealing with crypto in Thailand is completely safe and legal.

Ways to Buy Crypto in Thailand

Once you understand the basics, the next step is choosing how you actually want to buy crypto. In Thailand, there are several options: centralized exchanges for reliability, P2P platforms for flexibility, cash deals for those who prefer offline. Each method has its own strengths and trade-offs.

CEXs (Centralized Exchanges)

Centralized exchanges remain the most straightforward way for Thais to enter the market. After registration and KYC, you can deposit Thai baht through local banks (Bangkok Bank, Krungthai, Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank) or e-wallets like TrueMoney and Rabbit LINE Pay. Then, you can instantly buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins. For example, platforms such as Cryptomus Exchange support over 120 coins and multiple fiat currencies, including THB, offering both security and a user-friendly interface.

• Advantages: large selection of assets, strong security standards, convenient funding methods.
• Disadvantages: identity verification (KYC) required.

P2P Platforms

Peer-to-peer platforms are also common. Here you buy directly from another user while the exchange holds the seller’s crypto in escrow until payment is confirmed. Thai traders often use local bank transfers or popular wallets such as TrueMoney when paying for crypto there. With services like Cryptomus P2P, you can choose from hundreds of payment methods and benefit from lower fees of 0.1%.

• Advantages: competitive rates, many payment options, built-in escrow protection.
• Disadvantages: needs time to find the right offer, risk of scams.

Cash Deals

In Thailand, it’s possible to buy crypto with cash, especially in big cities and tourist hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. These are usually small local exchangers or individual traders, often found through crypto communities on Telegram, Facebook, or by word of mouth. The process is straightforward: you agree on a rate, meet in person, hand over Thai baht in cash, and receive the agreed amount of cryptocurrency directly in your wallet. This method appeals to people who prefer not to use banks or online platforms, but it does require caution and trust in the exchanger.

• Advantages: instant transactions, no need for a bank account, widespread in the country.
• Disadvantages: arranging a meeting can be inconvenient, unfavorable rates.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Crypto in Thailand

Getting started with crypto is easier than it may seem. The most common way is through a licensed exchange, where you can open an account, verify your identity, deposit Thai baht (THB), and purchase digital assets in just a few steps.

Below we’ll walk you through the process and highlight the most convenient options available for Thai users.

1. Create an Account on an Exchange

Choose a reputable platform that widely used by local traders. Register with your email or phone number, set a strong password, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security. Sticking to exchanges that comply with AML/KYC standards is important for safe and transparent transactions.

2. Complete Identity Verification

Thai regulations require you to verify your identity before depositing or withdrawing funds. Usually, you’ll be asked to upload a photo of your Thai national ID card or passport and take a quick selfie. Once the exchange approves your documents, your account will be fully activated.

3. Decide How You Want to Buy Crypto

There are several convenient ways to fund your account and purchase coins:

• Centralized Exchange (CEX). Most platforms accept bank transfers from major Thai banks (Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Krungthai, Siam Commercial Bank) as well as top-up via local e-wallets like TrueMoney Wallet or Rabbit LINE Pay. Once your THB deposit arrives, head to the “Buy Crypto” section, pick the coin you want, and confirm the transaction.

• P2P Platform. If you prefer peer-to-peer trading, you can buy directly from other users. Set your filters (THB, preferred payment method, amount), review available offers, and select a trusted seller with good ratings. You can also place your own buy order and wait for offers to come in.

Simple Way to Buy Crypto with Your Credit Card

If you want a quick and beginner-friendly solution, you can use your debit/credit card or e-wallet to purchase crypto instantly. Let’s take Cryptomus as an example.

Step 1 — Register on Cryptomus

Sign up with your email or social account (Google, Facebook, Telegram). Right after registration, enable 2FA to protect your wallet.

Step 2 — Pass KYC

Upload your Thai ID or passport, along with a selfie, in the KYC section. Approval usually takes just a short time, after which your account will be fully functional.

Step 3 — Go to “Receive”

In your dashboard, click “Receive”, pick the cryptocurrency you want (e.g., BTC or USDT), and select the network. Switch to “Fiat” if you’re paying with THB.

Step 4 — Choose Mercuryo

Select the Mercuryo option, enter the amount in Thai baht, and the system will show you how much crypto you’ll get.

Step 5 — Confirm and Pay

Pay with your debit/credit card from a Thai bank or use e-wallets like TrueMoney Wallet. Confirm your payment details and finish the transaction.

Within a few minutes, your coins will arrive in your Cryptomus wallet, ready to store, send, or trade.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Cryptocurrency Investments?

If you live in Thailand and invest in crypto, you should know that your profits are taxable. The Thai Revenue Department treats digital assets just like other investments, meaning that when you sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other coin at a profit, that income is subject to personal income tax. The rate depends on your total annual income and falls under Thailand’s progressive tax system, which ranges from 5% up to 35%.

For businesses operating with crypto, corporate income tax rules apply. Companies engaged in crypto trading, token issuance, or related services are taxed under Thailand’s standard corporate income tax regime (around 20%).

In addition, a 15% withholding tax may apply to earnings from crypto trading and investments. However, this typically concerns transactions conducted through licensed exchanges in Thailand. Trades made on unlicensed or foreign platforms often fall outside direct local reporting mechanisms — though this doesn’t necessarily exempt investors from tax obligations. That’s why it’s essential to understand how your chosen exchange is regulated and to keep detailed records of all transactions to declare your income correctly and avoid penalties.

In Thailand, entering the crypto market is easier than ever with platforms such as Cryptomus. The sector is growing fast, opening up new opportunities, but success requires discipline and awareness of regulations.

Make security your top priority, stay informed, and build your strategy step by step. Whenever you need help, Cryptomus is ready to assist you through email or Telegram.