BrokerTH
Two brokers that Thai traders consistently compare are AvaTrade and FP Markets. On the surface they look similar — both are regulated, both support MT4 and MT5, both offer a decent range of instruments. The difference is in the pricing model, and that difference is consequential depending on how you trade.
Regulation and Safety of Funds
AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) as its primary regulator, alongside ASIC in Australia, FSCA in South Africa, and FSA in Japan. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (AFSL 286354) and CySEC in Cyprus. For Thai retail traders, both brokers use their international arms. FP Markets has a clean record with no major regulatory actions. AvaTrade has received fines in the past from ASIC for margin practices, though those issues have been addressed.
Spreads and Costs: The Core Difference
AvaTrade uses a fixed spread model. EUR/USD sits at 0.9 pips fixed. That sounds tight, but fixed spreads mean the broker warehouses risk on the other side — there is a built-in markup that does not disappear in low-volatility conditions. During fast-moving markets, AvaTrade may widen spreads through re-quotes or slippage.
FP Markets runs ECN-style pricing. Its Raw Account offers spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a $3 per lot per side commission ($6 round turn). The Standard Account averages 1.0-1.2 pips with no commission. For a trader doing more than 20 lots per month, the Raw Account all-in cost generally beats AvaTrade’s fixed model. For casual traders doing 2-5 lots per month, the difference is negligible — maybe 50-100 baht per side.
Platform and Execution
Both brokers support MT4 and MT5. AvaTrade adds its proprietary AvaTradeGO mobile app and AvaSocial copy trading. FP Markets added the IRESS platform for share CFDs, useful for traders who want to mix forex with equities or ETF CFDs.
FP Markets routes retail orders through Equinix NY4 servers with STP/ECN. Average execution speed is around 40ms. AvaTrade uses a market-maker model, which can produce conflicts during volatile sessions — particularly during major news events like the FOMC announcement on September 16.
Deposits, Withdrawals, and Thai Baht
Neither broker offers THB as a base account currency. Both accept bank wire, credit cards, and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller). FP Markets accepts cryptocurrency deposits on some account types. AvaTrade does not. Minimum deposits: both require $100. Withdrawal times are similar — 1-3 business days for e-wallets, 3-5 for bank wire.
What This Means for Thai Traders
If you are a beginning trader who values fixed costs and simplicity, AvaTrade’s fixed spreads remove one variable from your planning. If you are a more active trader — scalping, news trading, or doing 30+ lots per month — FP Markets’ ECN Raw Account is almost certainly cheaper on an all-in basis.
The social and copy trading features at AvaTrade are genuinely usable for Thai traders who want to follow strategies rather than build their own. FP Markets connects to third-party providers like Myfxbook AutoTrade but lacks a native copy platform.
The Bottom Line
AvaTrade wins on simplicity and social trading. FP Markets wins on raw execution cost for active traders. Neither is a bad choice, but they serve different trader profiles. Most Thai beginners would be fine at AvaTrade to start. Most Thai traders who graduate past their first 6 months and care about pip costs should look seriously at FP Markets’ Raw Account.
