Thailand Doesn’t Prohibit Crypto Use for Payments but Warns of Price Fluctuation

Thailand Doesn"t Prohibit Crypto Use for Payments but Warns of Price Fluctuation

Bank of Thailand’s officials say that using cryptocurrency as a means of payment is not illegal. However, they added that users “must be able to accept the risks,” including price fluctuation. Using Crypto to Pay for Goods and Services Is Not Illegal in Thailand

Sakkapop Panyanukul, senior director at the Bank of Thailand (BOT)’s Monetary Policy Department, clarified the central bank’s cryptocurrency stance this week.

He explained that the Bank of Thailand is currently discussing how to regulate cryptocurrency with the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), related agencies, and stakeholders. The bank aims to limit consumer risks associated with using cryptocurrency for payments.

Noting that some people are already using crypto to pay for goods and services in Thailand, the director emphasized: It’s not illegal … but [users] must be able to accept the risks.

The Thai central bank previously said that cryptocurrency is not legal tender in the country and using it as a medium of exchange “constitutes barter trade between the owner of the digital asset and the provider of goods and services, where the payer and the receiver mutually accept all risks involved.”

The director proceeded to say that “If other currencies are widely used, it will impact the central bank’s ability to oversee the economy.”

Another senior director of the Bank of Thailand, Chayawadee Chai-anant, explained that many central banks worldwide share the same concern of crypto risking financial stability. While voicing concerns regarding financial stability, she clarified: Currently, the Bank of Thailand does not prohibit but is worried about the use of digital assets for payments of goods and services due to their price fluctuation.

Meanwhile, the Thai central bank said Tuesday that it discourages commercial banks being directly involved in trading crypto assets due to the risks stemming from high price volatility. Chai-anant told a news conference: We don’t want banks to be directly involved in digital asset trading because banks are (responsible) for customer deposits and the public and there is risk.

However, she noted that “If a company is a shareholder, that is another issue.” Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), one of the largest banks in Thailand, announced last month that it is acquiring a 51% stake in a cryptocurrency exchange.

Cryptocurrency has been gaining popularity as a way to pay for goods and services in Thailand. In July, the Thai central bank issued a warningnotice regarding the use of digital assets as a means of payment. In October, the country’s prime minister cautioned investors about investing in cryptocurrencies, stating that they are volatile and highly speculative.

In November, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that it is working with the SEC and the central bank to make it easier and more convenient for visitors to spend cryptocurrencies in the country. “Crypto is the future, so we must make Thailand a crypto-positive society to welcome this group of quality tourists,” said the TAT governor. Tags in this story bank of thailand, bank of thailand crypto, bitcoin legal use, Bitcoin Payments, Bot, crypto illegal, crypto legal, crypto means of payment, crypto not illegal, crypto payments, crypto use for payments, financial stability, thai, thai central bank, thailand

What do you think about the Bank of Thailand’s crypto stance? Let us know in the comments section below. Prime Minister Modi"s Twitter Account Hacked — Tweets Bitcoin Legal Tender in India, Government Giving Away BTC REGULATION | 9 hours ago Russia’s Federation Council to Set Up Working Group on Crypto Regulations REGULATION | 16 hours ago

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleRich Dad Poor Dad’s Robert Kiyosaki Insists Depression Is Coming – Predicts ‘Gold, Silver, Bitcoin, Real Estate Will Crash Too’ Next articleRussia’s Federation Council to Set Up Working Group on Crypto Regulations Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes Creating a Cryptocurrency Payment System for State Fees

The American politician and attorney serving as the 46th governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced the state’s 2022-23 budget proposal last week and proposed an idea to let businesses pay state fees with crypto assets. The governor’s "Freedom First Budget” ... read more.E-Commerce Giant Amazon Backs Wax Blockchain-Based Fractional Trading Card Market Dibbs: Report Indian Prime Minister Modi Tells President Biden"s Summit: Cryptocurrency Should Be Used to Empower Democracy Gitcoin Deactivates Grant for Farsi Speaking Communities Due to U.S. Sanctions Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Publishes "Plausible Roadmap" Addressing Scalability