Thailand Removes Crypto Tax Following Backlash
Earlier this year, the Finance Ministry of Thailand declared in a Bangkok newspaper post that it would begin charging a 15% capital gains tax on profits from cryptocurrency. The post warned that to avoid being penalized, investors should state their income from cryptocurrencies when filing taxes this year. This came as a shock to the investors and traders within the country as Thailand had always identified itself as crypto-friendly. Traders and experts began to warn the government that such high taxations will most likely strangle crypto development in the country.
Crypto Regulatory Measures in Thailand
News of cryptocurrency taxations first came under the guise of “safety and regulatory measures”. The Thailand Revenue Department said it was monitoring risk factors associated with crypto transactions and was ensuring the safety of Thai users. Not long after, the Revenue Department proceeded to ban certain meme coins and NFTs which the country referred to as being "baseless and volatile."
The announcement of the 15% tax on crypto profits, however, was described by critics as "going too far." David Carlisle, the director of policy and public affairs at Elliptic – a digital asset research and analysis group – said that the restriction of crypto payments through such means was unnecessary, and that using appropriate safeguards, merchants can accept crypto payments without posing excessive and broad risks that cause harm.
Luckily, after the announcement, the Security Exchange Commission and Finance Ministry of Thailand allowed stakeholders to submit comments and suggestions on the matter until February 8. Before long, it was clear there was stiff opposition from crypto firms, investors, and traders within the country.
Pete Peeradej Tanruangporn, the co-chair of the Thailand Digital Asset Operators Trade Association, said on Monday, "the revenue department did a lot of homework and reached out to crypto operators as well to get feedback, it was decided that it is much more friendly to both investors and the industry to lift the capital gains tax."
The ministry commented that they will still look to subject cryptocurrency to some degree of taxes in the future.
Thai Crypto Regulations 2024
Thailand has introduced new regulations exempting value-added tax (VAT) on all digital asset trading, effective from January 1, 2024, with no set end date, as announced by the Finance Ministry. Previously, such trading activities were subject to a 7% VAT. This recent change complements an existing policy that exempts VAT for crypto transfers to third parties, which was implemented last May.
In addition to these measures, Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission recently removed the investment cap of 300,000 baht (approximately US$8,400) for retail investors in digital tokens backed by real estate or infrastructure, signaling a shift towards more crypto-friendly regulations in the country.
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