Thailand vs Uganda
Crypto regulation comparison
Thailand
Uganda
Thailand has a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework under the Digital Asset Business Emergency Decree (2018). The SEC Thailand licenses digital asset exchanges, brokers, and dealers. Crypto gains are taxed at 15% withholding tax, though the government exempted VAT on crypto trading on authorized exchanges from 2022. Thailand has a well-developed exchange ecosystem with Bitkub as the dominant platform.
Uganda restricts cryptocurrency. The Bank of Uganda issued a 2022 circular (NPSD 306) barring licensed payment service providers from facilitating crypto transactions. A 2023 High Court ruling upheld the circular, declaring cryptocurrencies illegal under the National Payment Systems Act 2020. No crypto exchanges are licensed to operate. Informal P2P crypto activity exists despite restrictions.
Key Points
- Digital Asset Business Emergency Decree B.E. 2561 (2018) provides comprehensive regulation
- SEC Thailand licenses exchanges, brokers, dealers, and fund managers for digital assets
- 15% withholding tax on crypto gains; VAT exempted on authorized exchange trades since 2022
- BOT restricts crypto for payments but allows it as an investment asset
- Bitkub is the dominant exchange (~90% market share domestically)
Key Points
- BOU Circular NPSD 306 (April 2022) bars licensed entities from facilitating crypto
- 2023 High Court ruled cryptocurrencies illegal under National Payment Systems Act 2020
- Growing crypto adoption, particularly for cross-border transactions
- No specific crypto taxation rules
- Financial Intelligence Authority requires VASPs to comply with AML laws