Thailand to Block Bitget Access Following Criminal Complaint Over Unlicensed Operations
Regulators mandate a December 5 cutoff for Bitget services due to unauthorized digital asset trading.
1Regulatory Crackdown Initiated
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has officially filed a criminal complaint against BG Limited, the operator of the Bitget exchange. The regulator notified the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to restrict access to the platform’s website, mobile application, and associated domains starting December 5, 2026, citing unlicensed digital asset business activities.
2Unauthorized Trading Allegations
The SEC investigation revealed that Bitget provided trading services to Thai users between 2022 and 2025. The platform allegedly collected trading fees, quoted prices in Thai baht, and maintained a Thai-language website. These actions violated the Digital Asset Business Emergency Decree, which mandates specific licensing for any entity offering crypto services within the nation.
3Targeted Marketing Tactics
Regulators highlighted that Bitget utilized aggressive Thai-language marketing campaigns across social media platforms, including X, Telegram, and TikTok. Furthermore, the SEC named Kritsana Kritsananuwat in a criminal complaint for promoting the exchange via Facebook and YouTube. This individual was previously implicated in a similar case involving the unlicensed activities of the OKX exchange.
4User Asset Advisory
The Thai regulator has explicitly advised all users to manage their assets held on the Bitget platform before the December 5 deadline. The SEC clarified that this warning is strictly related to the platform’s regulatory status and access restrictions, rather than indicating that customer assets have been lost or frozen by the exchange.
5Contradictory Expansion Efforts
The enforcement action creates a complex regulatory conflict, as Bitget recently announced plans on October 20 to acquire GMO-Z.com Cryptonomics, a locally licensed exchange. While Bitget aims to establish a legal presence through this acquisition, the SEC maintains that the purchase does not retroactively validate the platform’s previous years of unlicensed operations in Thailand.
6Legal Process Escalation
The criminal complaint has been referred to Thailand’s Economic Crime Suppression Division for a formal investigation. Following this phase, public prosecutors will evaluate the evidence to determine if formal charges are warranted. Ultimately, the Thai court system will be responsible for deciding the extent of criminal liability for the exchange and its promoters.
7Evolution of Thai Regulations
Thailand established its initial digital asset licensing framework in 2018 to govern the growing crypto sector. In April 2025, the government tightened these rules to specifically cover foreign platforms targeting local investors. Recent amendments to cybercrime legislation have also streamlined the process for the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to block unlicensed sites.
8Future Market Implications
Bitget’s attempt to enter the Thai market through the acquisition of BTGT Management remains subject to regulatory approval. Despite the ongoing criminal proceedings, the firm previously identified Thailand as a vital component of its Southeast Asian strategy. Investors must now navigate the December 5 cutoff while awaiting further clarity on the exchange’s legal status.