WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the use of Tether’s stablecoin, USDT, as a currency. According to a statement on Monday, the approval enables USDT to be traded within the country, facilitating its listing on regulated exchanges and paving the way for USDT to be accepted for payments, which advances the region’s leadership in digital asset innovation. The updated regulations aim to enhance flexibility in digital asset businesses and will take effect on March 16, 2025. This comes after the Thailand regulator sought public feedback on these changes, which were finalized in February 2025 with widespread industry support. “The regulator’s recognition of USDT as an approved cryptocurrency marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital assets in the region and represents a major step toward clarifying and enhancing Thailand’s regulatory framework. “This will provide investors with greater flexibility and choice while fostering a more dynamic and resilient industry. By enabling the seamless integration of USDT, the decision supports the diversification and modernization of Thailand’s financial landscape,” the statement added. Thailand is one of the friendliest jurisdictions for digital assets in recent years and ranks among the top 20 countries globally in terms of adoption. USDT accounts for around 40 per cent of volumes. Tether’s USDT with a market cap of $142 billion, is the world’s most widely used stablecoin, providing a trusted, efficient bridge between traditional fiat systems and digital economies. Speaking on the development, Mr Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said it will continue to boost its services and offerings in more friendly markets. “We highly value the Thai market and are continuously exploring ways to enhance our services and offerings. Our priority is to provide users in Thailand with a secure, transparent, and reliable stablecoin experience. “We are committed to supporting the long-term success and adoption of stablecoins in Thailand and look forward to contributing to the growth of the country’s digital asset ecosystem by fostering a strong and sustainable stablecoin infrastructure.” Thailand’s forward-thinking approach to digital asset regulation sets a global benchmark, and Tether is proud to see USDT play a pivotal role in driving economic progress and digital transformation in the region. Tether added that this approval confirms its dedication to building bridges between traditional and decentralized economies while ensuring security, trust, and efficiency for users worldwide. “Thailand’s forward-looking stance on stablecoins is reflected in its vibrant, Thai baht-backed digital asset market,” it added.