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Thailand Issues New Regulations on Custodied Cryptocurrencies

Thailand Issues New Regulations on Custodied CryptocurrenciesThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand has issued new regulations on custodied cryptocurrencies. Companies offering crypto custody services are now required to “establish a digital wallet management system to accommodate efficient custody of digital assets and keys and ensure safety of clients’ assets,” the regulator described. Thai SEC’s New Crypto Rules Thailand’s Securities […]

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Zipmex requests meetings with Thai regulators to discuss ‘recovery plan’

The firm stated that its potential investors will also attend the meetings, which will include Zipmex, Thailand's SEC, and government agencies.

Asian crypto exchange Zipmex has requested meetings with Thailand's Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulators to discuss the firm’s “recovery plan.”

In a statement on Aug. 25, Zipmex said it had submitted a letter requesting meetings with the securities regulator, which will also be attended by the firm’s potential investors.

“We have requested meetings with Thailand’s Securities Exchange Commission and regulators in the country where we operate to introduce our investors to regulators and present our recovery plan to government agencies.”

Though the company was tight-lipped on who the investors may be, Zipmex noted that it was in “advanced stages” of discussion with two investors after signing three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) over the last month.

The funding round was initially reported in June, suggesting the potential capital injection was not tied to the company's more recent financial woes.

“The investors we have been in discussion with fully understand our potential and also share our vision and mission of developing the digital economy in Thailand and Southeast Asia," said Zipmex. 

Despite the lack of names at this stage, the funding round is reportedly expected to be worth $40 million at a valuation of $400 million. Notably Coinbase has already made an undisclosed strategic investment into Zipmex during Q1.

The requested discussions with the SEC come one month after the regulator launched a hotline for investors impacted by the withdrawal suspensions to report their complaints on the matter.

On Aug. 15, Cointelegraph reported that the company had scored more than three-months of creditor protection, protecting the exchange from potential creditor lawsuits until Dec. 2, 2022 while it comes up with a restructuring plan.

With regulator eyes on Zipmex, the upcoming discussions should bear important information about how the company can proceed moving forward. Zipmex stated that it will soon provide further clarification on the matter around the middle of September.

Zipmex also revealed on Thursday that wallet transfers for its native token ZMT between its Z Wallets and Trade Wallets have been re-established this week, marking further progress as the company works to get fully operational again. This is only available via its website and not through the Zipmex App at this stage however.

“By resuming the Z Wallet service and doing everything possible to resolve the aforementioned problems. I can confirm that we will continue to move forward to resume services to serve our customers effectively and fairly,” said Dr. Akalarp Yimwilai, co-founder of Zipmex.

Related: Thai SEC approves four crypto firms despite Zipmex woes

The company operates compliant exchanges in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. As a result of the market volatility this year and exposure to firms such as Babel Finance and Celsius, Zipmex officially paused wallet withdrawals in late July.

Since then, Zipmex has gradually restored withdrawals for a select number of assets held in Z Wallets, while trade wallet withdrawals were promptly re-enabled in July.

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Thailand Plans to Tighten Crypto Oversight, Giving Central Bank More Powers to Regulate Digital Assets

Thailand Plans to Tighten Crypto Oversight, Giving Central Bank More Powers to Regulate Digital AssetsThailand is reportedly preparing to amend its law on digital assets to tighten the oversight of the crypto sector and empower the Thai central bank to oversee the sector. “Right now, the central bank has no room to enter into the regulatory framework except for notifying that cryptos are not a legal means of payment […]

Microstrategy’s Bitcoin Binge Snags $561M in Latest Buy, Pushing Holdings to 444K BTC

Thailand Approves Tax Relief Measures for Crypto Trading

Thailand Approves Tax Relief Measures for Crypto TradingThe Thai Cabinet has approved tax relief measures for crypto trading. The new tax rules are “much more friendly to both investors and industry,” said an executive of a cryptocurrency exchange in Thailand. Thailand Adopts New Tax Rules for Crypto Investments Thailand’s Cabinet approved new tax relief rules Tuesday for crypto trading, according to an […]

Microstrategy’s Bitcoin Binge Snags $561M in Latest Buy, Pushing Holdings to 444K BTC

Thailand Plans to Become ‘Crypto-Positive Society’ — Governor Says ‘Crypto Is the Future’

Thailand Plans to Become ‘Crypto-Positive Society’ — Governor Says ‘Crypto Is the Future’Thailand is laying the groundwork to become a “crypto-positive society” with the aim to attract crypto holders and boost its tourism industry. The country hopes to gain back some of the $80 billion in lost tourism revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown. Thailand Plans to Attract Crypto Holders The Tourism Authority of […]

Microstrategy’s Bitcoin Binge Snags $561M in Latest Buy, Pushing Holdings to 444K BTC

Thai lawmakers urged to approve tourism crypto to entice digital nomads

The rollout of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s TAT Coin is coming closer to fruition, and is now awaiting government approval according to local figures.

A push in Thailand to boost gross domestic product (GPD) by targeting crypto digital nomads is coming closer to fruition according to local media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been looking into launching its own utility token called TAT Coin since September as part of a planned “cryptourism” campaign. The initiative aims to attract crypto wealthy digital nomads and the TAT has been in discussions with the Stock Exchange of Thailand regarding TAT Coin’s issuance.

According to a Nov. 24 report from the Bangkok Post, the infrastructure behind the TAT Coin is “ready” to go and is now awaiting the green light from the Thai government.

Speaking at the "Transform tourism with cryptourism" conference on Tuesday, Jirayut Srupsrisopa the founder and CEO of local crypto exchange Bitkub urged policymakers to approve the rollout of TAT Coin:

"Private sectors are ready to provide digital infrastructure, but we're just waiting for the government to press the button by enacting laws, regulations or even policies to help facilitate digital asset markets.”

“Our national GDP could grow six times if we can strengthen this market," he added.

According to the Bangkok Post, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn explained that the cryptourism campaign consists of “building a new tourism ecosystem which utilizes digital technologies to allow wealthy populations, including cryptocurrency holders, to channel their money directly to tourism operators without agents or brokers.”

Related: Mastercard launches crypto-linked cards across Asia-Pacific

Supasorn said the move would greatly help local businesses recover that have been impacted by the lack of tourism capital flowing into the country due to the global pandemic. Al Jazeera reported this week that Thailand saw a total of 106,117 tourists in the first 10 months of 2021, which is a tiny fraction of the 40 million yearly average pre-pandemic.

Despite the private sector appearing ready to support this campaign, Supasorn warned that there is still a lot of work to do within the government to prepare for the rollout of such an ambitious digital currency-focused initiative.

"Due to the TAT's status as a state enterprise, there are a lot of regulatory issues we need to discuss with related parties before implementation. And there are also other preventive measures against cybercrimes and customer protections we need to prepare," he said.

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Thailand Sees Rising Adoption of Cryptocurrencies as Means of Payment — Warns of Risks

Thailand Sees Rising Adoption of Cryptocurrencies as Means of Payment — Warns of RisksBank of Thailand says a growing number of companies are asking for payments in cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and ether. The central bank reiterates its stance on crypto and warns of the risks of using them as a means of payment. The Bank of Thailand (BOT), the country’s central bank, issued a warning notice titled […]

Microstrategy’s Bitcoin Binge Snags $561M in Latest Buy, Pushing Holdings to 444K BTC