Many people think Thailand taxes crypto gains at 15%. That’s not true - and believing it could cost you money. If you’re trading crypto in Thailand or thinking about moving there, you need to know the real rules. The 15% figure floating around? That’s a withholding tax for foreign companies, not a capital gains tax for Thai residents. For you, the individual investor, the government is actually giving you a free pass - for now.
Thailand Just Eliminated Crypto Capital Gains Tax (Until 2029)
Starting January 1, 2025, and running through December 31, 2029, Thai residents don’t pay any capital gains tax on profits from selling cryptocurrency - if they trade on the right platforms. This isn’t a loophole. It’s official government policy. Ministerial Regulation No. 399, published in September 2025, grants a full five-year exemption on crypto gains for individuals. The Thai Cabinet approved it in June 2025, and the Deputy Minister of Finance, Julapun Amornvivat, called it a "key step in boosting Thailand’s economic potential." This exemption applies only to profits from selling or transferring digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other tokens - but only when those trades happen through exchanges licensed by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). That’s the catch. If you’re using Binance, Coinbase, or any offshore platform, you’re not covered. The exemption only works if your trade goes through a Thai-regulated exchange like Bitkub, DigiFinex, or Coinone Thailand.What’s Not Covered? The Hidden Tax Traps
Just because you’re trading on a Thai exchange doesn’t mean everything’s tax-free. The exemption has sharp edges. Here’s what still gets taxed:- Peer-to-peer (P2P) trades - If you buy Bitcoin from someone in Bangkok via Telegram or a local group, that profit is taxable. No license = no exemption.
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) - Swapping tokens on Uniswap, PancakeSwap, or any DEX? Those gains are taxable. Even if you’re using a Thai wallet, the platform isn’t regulated, so the exemption doesn’t apply.
- Staking rewards - Earning interest on your crypto? That’s treated as ordinary income. You’ll owe tax on the value of the tokens when you receive them, not when you sell them.
- Crypto lending and yield farming - If you lend your ETH and get paid in interest, that’s taxable income. Same goes for liquidity pool rewards.
- Derivatives and futures - Profits from trading crypto options or perpetual swaps? Taxable. The exemption only covers spot sales.
Many people assume if they’re in Thailand, all crypto income is tax-free. That’s dangerous. The Thai Revenue Department is watching. If you report staking rewards as capital gains, you’ll get flagged. You need to track every type of income separately.
The 15% Tax People Are Confusing With Capital Gains
The 15% number? That’s not for you if you’re a Thai resident. It’s for foreign companies and non-residents earning crypto income in Thailand. For example, if a U.S.-based crypto mining firm earns revenue from operations in Thailand, they pay 15% withholding tax on that income. It’s a separate rule, designed to make sure foreign entities contribute to the local economy. Thai citizens? They’re exempt from capital gains tax entirely - if they play by the rules.This distinction is critical. If you’re a foreigner living in Thailand and you’re trading crypto on Thai exchanges, you’re still eligible for the exemption. But if you’re a Thai citizen trading on Binance, you’re not. The exemption is tied to the platform, not your nationality.
Why Thailand Did This (And Why It Matters)
Thailand isn’t giving up tax revenue because it’s being generous. It’s doing it because it’s smart. The government expects this exemption to generate around $1 billion in annual revenue - not from taxes, but from economic activity. By forcing traders onto licensed exchanges, they’re creating a transparent, regulated market. Exchanges pay licensing fees, transaction taxes, and VAT. They hire local staff. They attract foreign investors. The whole ecosystem grows.Compare that to countries like the U.S. or Germany, where crypto gains are taxed at up to 37% or 45%. Thailand’s move is a direct appeal to traders, developers, and entrepreneurs. It’s positioning the country as Southeast Asia’s digital asset hub. And it’s working. Since the exemption was announced, trading volumes on Thai exchanges jumped 300% in the first quarter of 2025.
What You Need to Do: Record-Keeping Is Non-Negotiable
Even though you’re not paying capital gains tax, you still have to prove you’re following the rules. The Thai Revenue Department doesn’t ask for tax returns on crypto gains - yet. But if you’re audited, you’ll need to show:- Transaction history from SEC-licensed exchanges (download your trade logs)
- Proof that you didn’t trade on unlicensed platforms during the same period
- Separate records for staking, lending, and other income streams
Use a crypto tax tool like Koinly or CoinTracker - but make sure it’s configured for Thailand. Most tools assume you’re in the U.S. or EU. You need to set your country to Thailand and disable capital gains calculations. Instead, flag all trades on Thai exchanges as "exempt" and tag everything else as taxable income.
What Happens After 2029?
The exemption ends on December 31, 2029. That’s not a typo. It’s a five-year experiment. The government will review it in 2028 and decide whether to extend it, make it permanent, or reintroduce a tax. They’re watching three things:- How much tax revenue the licensed exchanges generate
- How much foreign investment flows into Thailand’s crypto sector
- Whether Thai residents are still moving their trading offshore
If the $1 billion target is hit - and early signs suggest it will be - the exemption could become permanent. If not, they might introduce a 5% or 10% capital gains tax, but only on unlicensed trades. The goal isn’t to punish traders. It’s to bring them into the system.
Real-Life Example: A Thai Trader’s Tax Bill
Meet Somsak. He bought 1 BTC for 1.2 million THB in 2023. In March 2025, he sold it on Bitkub for 2.5 million THB. His profit? 1.3 million THB (about $36,000). Because he used a Thai SEC-licensed exchange, he pays $0 in capital gains tax. But in April 2025, he swapped 0.5 ETH for ADA on PancakeSwap. He bought the ETH for 800,000 THB and sold it for 1.1 million THB. That 300,000 THB profit? Taxable. He needs to report it as capital gain and pay income tax based on his total earnings for the year - up to 35% if he’s in the top bracket. He also earned 0.02 BTC in staking rewards from lending on a Thai platform. That’s 180,000 THB in income. He pays tax on that as ordinary income, even though he didn’t sell it. Somsak’s total tax bill? $0 on his main trade. $10,500 on his DEX trade. $6,300 on his staking rewards. Total: $16,800. He saved over $45,000 by trading his BTC on a licensed exchange.What Should You Do Right Now?
If you’re in Thailand or planning to be:- Move your trading to SEC-licensed exchanges - Bitkub, DigiFinex, Coinone Thailand. Avoid Binance, Kraken, or Bybit for spot trades.
- Stop using P2P platforms - Even if it’s easier, it’s not tax-free.
- Track every staking, lending, or yield activity - Record the value in THB when you receive the tokens.
- Use a crypto tax tool set to Thailand - Disable capital gains calculations. Only report taxable income.
- Save your trade history - Download CSVs from your licensed exchange every month. Don’t wait until tax season.
This exemption is a rare opportunity. Most countries tax crypto gains. Thailand is giving you five years to build wealth without paying capital gains tax - if you stay within the lines. Ignore the 15% myth. Focus on the real rule: licensed exchange = tax-free. Everything else? Taxable. Get it right, and you’re ahead of 95% of crypto investors worldwide.
Do I pay 15% tax on crypto gains in Thailand?
No. The 15% rate applies only to foreign companies earning crypto income in Thailand. Thai residents pay 0% capital gains tax on profits from trades made through SEC-licensed exchanges between 2025 and 2029. All other crypto income - like staking, P2P sales, or DEX trades - may still be taxable.
Are staking rewards taxed in Thailand?
Yes. Staking rewards, lending interest, and yield farming income are treated as ordinary income, not capital gains. You must report the value of the tokens in THB when you receive them. This is taxable at your personal income tax rate, which can go up to 35%.
Can I trade on Binance and still avoid crypto tax in Thailand?
No. The tax exemption only applies to trades made through Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-licensed exchanges like Bitkub or DigiFinex. Trading on Binance, Coinbase, or any offshore platform means your profits are taxable, even if you live in Thailand.
What happens after December 31, 2029?
The government will review the exemption’s impact in 2028. If it successfully boosts the local crypto economy and generates $1 billion in new revenue, it may be extended or made permanent. If not, a new tax could be introduced - likely targeting only unlicensed trades. Don’t assume the exemption will continue past 2029.
Do I need to file a tax return for crypto in Thailand?
Currently, you don’t need to file a separate return for crypto capital gains because they’re exempt. But you must still report other crypto income like staking, lending, and P2P profits on your annual personal income tax return. Keep detailed records - the Thai Revenue Department can audit you at any time.
Is crypto mining taxable in Thailand?
Mining rewards are not explicitly mentioned in current regulations, but they are treated as ordinary income by default. The value of the mined coins at the time of receipt is taxable. Until the Thai Revenue Department provides clearer guidance, assume mining income is taxable.
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