Coins has launched its second bitcoin startup in Southeast Asia with the formal opening of Coins.co.th in Thailand.

The startup has been exchanging baht and bitcoin in Thailand since its soft launch in June, when it received its e-commerce registration from the Huay Khwang District Office.

Jaturong Jantarangs, the Bank of Thailand’s senior director of the payment systems policy department, recently told the Bangkok Post that trading bitcoins for baht does not require approval or a license from the country’s central bank.

As such, Coins claims that its new exchange is now “fully legal” under Thai law.

The move can be seen as a positive sign for bitcoin’s progress in Asia, given that the Bank of Thailand was widely believed to have banned bitcoin in 2013.

The determination also follows statements from the Bank of Thailand issued in March that suggested it did not consider bitcoin a currency.

Regulatory guidance

While it is not being treated as a money services business, Coins.co.th indicated that it does need to follow related laws such as Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code and Consumer Protection Act, as well as its anti­-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, who will manage Coins.co.th, added that he expects bitcoin’s legal situation in Thailand to become clearer over time, as local regulators learn more about the market and its potential.

Bitcoin Co. Ltd, the first Thailand-based digital currency exchange, also told CoinDesk that it continues to operate in Thailand despite the regulatory uncertainty, and that after its issues with the central bank earlier this year, has received e-commerce licenses for both Bitcoin.co.th and BX.in.th, its two exchange services.

Still, it reports communication with the central bank has been scarce. As managing director David Barnes, told CoinDesk:

“We have not had any recent conversations with Bank of Thailand since around the beginning of the year.”

Empowering Thailand’s workforce

For now, Coins.co.th will continue to allow users in Thailand to pay for bitcoin using their online accounts, or by paying cash at any major Thai bank.

Hose framed the announcement as one that would help the company bring the benefits of bitcoin to the local Thai e-commerce market, which has struggled to develop sophisticated online payments that could enable growth.

Stressing benefits of bitcoin for local users and the future of his exchange, Hose said:

“Bitcoin can be an easy alternative to bank accounts and credit cards for people who cannot access those tools which fills a huge gap in financial service needs in emerging markets such as Thailand.”

Citing the growth of BX.in.th, Barnes concluded:

“We are very optimistic about the future of Bitcoin in Thailand.”

Hat tip to Bangkok Post

Buddhist temple in Thailand via Shutterstock