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On June 28, 2026, Thailand’s grace period for foreign crypto platforms ended. Bybit, OKX, and CoinEx were blocked by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, acting on Thai SEC enforcement authority. For Thai retail investors who had been using those platforms, the practical choice now comes down to two primary licensed exchanges: Bitkub and Gulf Binance. A third option, Bitazza, exists but has smaller market share and liquidity. Zipmex is undergoing restructuring.
This guide focuses on Bitkub and Gulf Binance — what they offer, how they differ, and how to get started.
Bitkub: The Incumbent
Bitkub is Thailand’s largest and oldest licensed digital asset exchange by trading volume and user base. It offers the widest selection of listed cryptocurrencies among Thai licensed exchanges, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a range of altcoins. The platform has a full Thai-language interface, established customer support, and integration with most Thai banks for fiat deposits and withdrawals.
Trading fees on Bitkub follow a maker-taker model, with rates that decrease based on trading volume. For new investors doing small trades, expect fees in the 0.25% range. The platform also offers a Bitkub Next mobile app for a streamlined experience. One historical note: Bitkub experienced regulatory scrutiny from the Thai SEC in prior years regarding governance issues; these were addressed, and the exchange remains licensed and operational.
Gulf Binance: The New Contender
Gulf Binance is a joint venture between Gulf Energy Development (a major Thai energy company listed on the SET) and Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume. It launched as a Thai-licensed exchange and brings Binance’s technology infrastructure and liquidity management to a Thai-regulated product. Gulf Binance’s fee structure is competitive, with maker fees as low as 0.02% for active traders, compared to standard retail tiers.
The exchange currently supports Bitcoin and Ethereum with a growing list of assets. Its Thai baht onramp is smooth — deposit via PromptPay or bank transfer, and funds typically clear within minutes during business hours. The Binance technology backbone means the matching engine and order book infrastructure are among the most robust available to Thai users.
How to Get Started on Either Platform
- Download the app or visit the website. Bitkub: bitkub.com. Gulf Binance: gulf-binance.com. Both have iOS and Android apps.
- Complete KYC. You will need a Thai national ID card or passport, a selfie, and proof of address. Thai SEC regulations require verified identity before any trading. KYC approval typically takes minutes to a few hours.
- Deposit Thai baht. Both platforms accept deposits via PromptPay (instant) and standard bank transfers. Minimum deposit amounts vary but are generally 100-500 baht.
- Buy your first asset. Market orders execute immediately at current prices. Limit orders let you set a target price. Start small — this is a volatile asset class.
Which Platform Is Right for You
Choose Bitkub if: you want the widest altcoin selection, prefer an established Thai exchange with years of operational history, or need Thai-language customer support. Choose Gulf Binance if: you plan to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum primarily, want the lowest possible fees for active trading, or are comfortable with a newer platform backed by institutional infrastructure.
There is no rule against using both — maintaining accounts on both exchanges takes about 30 minutes of setup and gives you the flexibility to compare prices and access different token listings as needed.
Important: Keep your assets on the exchange only while actively trading. For any significant holding, a hardware wallet or a secure software wallet under your own control reduces counterparty risk.
