You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

August 27, 2026

Thailand Proposes Overhaul of Licensing Framework for Money Changers

Subscribe to Updates

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed overhaul of the regulatory framework for licensed money changers authorized by the finance minister, under the Exchange Control Act, to buy and sell foreign banknotes separately from commercial banks and specialized financial institutions. The BOT published the draft principles on August 19, 2026, for public consultation, with comments accepted through September 18, 2026.

If adopted in its current form, the new framework would substantially raise licensing standards, require existing licensees to undergo a review and upgrade process, temporarily freeze new applications in 2027, and reduce application intake rounds from 2028 onward, with significant implications for both existing operators and prospective new entrants.

The overhaul initiative stems from the BOT’s recognition of a need to prevent the use of licensed money changers as channels for financial crime. The stated objectives are to build public confidence, ensure the safety of financial service users, and align the supervisory framework with the current risk profile of the business and evolving market conditions.

Upgraded Licensing Standards

The BOT intends to significantly revise the licensing framework, including requirements relating to registered capital, branch management, operational standards, and customer transaction limits. Detailed criteria have not yet been released and are expected to be subject to further consultation. All existing licensees will be required to upgrade to meet the new standards and submit evidence of compliance for BOT review on a case-by-case basis. Existing licensees that are unable to satisfy the upgraded requirements may face regulatory consequences, subject to the final framework and BOT review process.

Freeze and Reopening

The BOT will temporarily stop accepting new license applications throughout 2027 to focus resources on inspecting and upgrading existing money changers. Any party wishing to obtain a new money changer license must submit its application by the end of December 2026.

New applications will be accepted again once the upgraded supervisory framework is in place in 2028. From that point onward, the BOT may reduce application intake rounds from four per year to two per year to improve the quality and efficiency of assessments under the new criteria.

To summarize the timing of these developments:

  • End of December 2024: Close of current new applications acceptance period.
  • Throughout 2027: Application freeze; BOT inspects and upgrades all existing licensees.
  • 2028: Reopening of new applications under the upgraded framework; possible reduction to two intake rounds per year.

Implications for Existing Money Changers

Every current licensee will need to meet significantly higher standards across capital, branch management, operational standards, and customer transaction limits. This will likely require substantial capital investment, operational restructuring, and system upgrades to satisfy the BOT’s individual review. All enhancement measures must be completed and submitted during 2027, giving money changers a limited compliance window. Money changers unable to meet the new criteria face the risk of license revocation.

Implications for Prospective New Entrants

Any entity planning to enter the money-changing business must file its application by December 2026 or face a year-long wait until 2028. Even after reopening, the potential halving of application intake rounds will reduce the windows available for new market entry going forward.

Market Impact

Higher capital and operational requirements may push smaller money changers out of the market, potentially leading to industry consolidation. However, the reforms are designed to enhance the safety and reliability of money-exchange services for end users and the broader financial system.

Existing licensed money changers should assess their current compliance posture against the anticipated new standards and begin preparing for the 2027 upgrade deadline. Prospective new entrants should prioritize filing their applications before the December 2026 cutoff to avoid the temporary freeze period. All interested parties should consider submitting comments during the public consultation period, which runs through September 18, 2026.

Related Professionals

Industries

Fintech

Practices

Banking and Finance

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

September 4, 2026
Foreign business restrictions on telecommunications, treasury center businesses, and intragroup support services were eased when Thailand published the Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Service Businesses Not Requiring Permission for Foreign Business Operations (No. 5) B.E. 2569 (2026) in the Government Gazette on August 28, 2026. The ministerial regulation expands the categories of service businesses that foreign investors may operate without a foreign business license (FBL) under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) (FBA). Of particular relevance to the telecommunications, fintech, and technology sectors, the ministerial regulation exempts: Type 1 telecommunications licensees, which do not have their own networks; Treasury center businesses operated in accordance with Thailand’s exchange control regulations; and Certain intragroup administrative, human resources, and information technology management services. Telecommunications Services Foreign-owned businesses providing telecommunications services under a type 1 telecommunications license may now operate without obtaining an FBL. This may streamline market entry for qualifying telecommunications and digital infrastructure businesses. The exemption applies only to the FBA licensing requirement. Operators must continue to comply with applicable requirements under the Telecommunications Business Act and the regulations of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and the change does not affect foreign ownership restrictions applicable to type 2 or type 3 telecommunications businesses. Treasury Center Businesses The ministerial regulation also exempts qualifying treasury center businesses from the FBL requirement. This may facilitate centralized treasury functions in Thailand, including liquidity management, foreign exchange management, and intragroup funding arrangements. Treasury center operations remain subject to applicable requirements of the Bank of Thailand and other competent authorities. Intragroup Administrative, HR, and IT Services Certain administrative, human resources, and information technology management services provided between affiliated entities are also exempt, provided the relevant entities satisfy prescribed ownership or management criteria. The exemption is available where the service provider and recipient are related through specified ownership
Read More
September 2, 2026
On August 21, 2026, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published two consultation papers that would broaden regulated access to crypto assets while tightening custody standards. The first proposes a framework for establishing crypto exchange-traded funds (crypto ETFs) in Thailand. The second proposes enhanced qualification requirements for foreign digital asset custodians serving mutual funds and private funds that invest in digital assets. The proposals seek to expand regulated access to crypto assets while strengthening custody, governance, disclosure, and investor protection, and they affect fund managers, trustees, and licensed digital asset operators. Comments on both papers are due by September 20, 2026, and the SEC expects the resulting rules to take effect later in 2026. Elevating Foreign Custodian Standards Under current rules in effect since January 16, 2025, mutual funds and private funds investing in digital assets may use foreign custodians that meet qualifications similar to those set for domestic digital asset business operators. The SEC now proposes that foreign digital asset custodians satisfy two cumulative requirements: Compliance with the existing baseline qualifications: demonstrated expertise, robust cybersecurity measures, segregation of client assets, controls preventing unauthorized asset transfers, and sound financial standing. Supervision by a regulator that is either (1) an IOSCO Signatory A member under the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, the international arrangement through which securities regulators share information and cooperate on enforcement, or (2) a regulator in a jurisdiction that the Thai SEC designates as having adequate supervisory and investor protection standards. The SEC is initially considering 11 jurisdictions for the approved-country list: France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. The SEC may expand this list over time based on its assessment of other jurisdictions’ regulatory frameworks governing custodian licensing, asset segregation, secure custody practices, client rights in insolvency,
Read More
August 20, 2026
As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has released the latest edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand, providing an overview of the legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations for companies establishing or expanding operations in Thailand. The 2026 edition offers practical insight into the country’s business environment, investment framework, and operational requirements. The guide covers a wide range of topics relevant to foreign and domestic investors, including: Investment incentives and promotion schemes Financial facilities and banking regulations Exchange controls and money transfers Import and export regulations Business structures and incorporation options Requirements for establishing a business Operational and compliance considerations Business cessation and insolvency procedures Employment and labor laws Taxation Immigration and visa requirements Prepared by Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers across multiple practice areas, the publication outlines key aspects of doing business in Thailand, including foreign investment restrictions, regulatory compliance obligations, corporate structures, employment requirements, and recent legal and economic developments affecting investors. The publication forms part of Lex Mundi’s Country Guides series, a global collection of jurisdiction-specific reference materials prepared by member firms around the world. Together, these guides help companies evaluate opportunities, compare regulatory environments, and plan international business activities across multiple markets. The full Guide to Doing Business in Thailand 2026 is available through the button below.
Read More
August 18, 2026
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is seeking public comment on proposed amendments that would significantly expand know-your-customer (KYC) and customer due diligence (CDD) requirements for cash-related transactions at financial institutions (FIs) and specialized financial institutions (SFIs). Released on August 5, 2026, the proposed regulation would supersede BOT Notification No. 16/2569, which focused primarily on cash withdrawal transactions. The public comment period is open through September 3, 2026. The amendments reflect concerns that FIs and SFIs may be used to facilitate the movement, concealment, and conversion of criminal proceeds, potentially damaging institutional operations and public confidence in the financial system. Expanded Scope of Covered Transactions The most significant change is the broadening of the definition of “cash-related transactions.” Previously, the regulation covered only cash withdrawals and uncrossed check withdrawals. The amended regulation extends coverage to include: Cash deposits, check deposits, or receipt of funds from the public not in the form of deposit accounts; Thai baht (THB) banknote exchange (different denominations); Receipt of cash for issuing checks and drafts; and Purchase, sale, or exchange of foreign banknotes. Mandatory Identity Verification and Risk Management For all cash-related transactions, FIs and SFIs must require customers, or authorized or delegated persons, to present identification or verify their identity before every transaction, including one-time (walk-in) transactions. Specific identification requirements vary by transaction type, customer nationality, and channel (branch vs. electronic). FIs and SFIs must also establish comprehensive risk management processes and procedures for cash-related transactions. These requirements include identifying customers or authorized representatives in accordance with transaction-specific verification standards, analyzing customer behavior, implementing risk-management measures proportionate to the customer’s risk profile, and recording abnormal behavior in relevant systems. The BOT also encourages institutions to proactively guide customers toward transaction channels that offer greater traceability than cash. For corporate customers in high-risk business sectors—including foreign
Read More