Thailand’s SEC Moves to Block Bitget as It Files Criminal Complaint
Thailand’s SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) has filed a criminal complaint against BG Limited, the company operating the cryptocurrency exchange Bitget, over alleged unlicensed activities. Authorities plan to restrict access to Bitget’s website, associated domains, and mobile application starting December 5, 2026.
The regulator alleges that Bitget provided cryptocurrency trading services to Thai customers between 2022 and 2025 without the required local authorization. A separate complaint names an individual accused of helping promote Bitget through Facebook and YouTube. Thai users have been urged to review their holdings and take appropriate action before the access restrictions begin.
Thailand is preparing to block cryptocurrency exchange Bitget after the country’s financial regulator accused the platform’s operator of conducting digital asset business without the necessary license.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on November 5 that it had filed a criminal complaint against BG Limited, the company operating Bitget, over alleged violations of the country’s digital asset regulations.
Thailand SEC Accuses Bitget of Operating Without a License
According to Thailand’s SEC, its investigation identified activities that allegedly violated Thailand’s digital asset business licensing requirements between 2022 and 2025.
The regulator claims Bitget provided a platform facilitating cryptocurrency purchases and sales as a regular commercial service while collecting transaction fees from users.
Investigators also pointed to the exchange’s efforts to attract Thai customers through localized marketing. These reportedly included a Thai-language website, services displaying values in the local currency, and promotional campaigns across social media platforms.
The SEC specifically referenced accounts and communities associated with Bitget on X, Telegram, and TikTok. Under Thailand’s Digital Asset Business Emergency Decree, companies operating cryptocurrency exchanges must obtain the appropriate authorization before providing regulated services in the country.
The complaint has been submitted to Thailand’s Economic Crime Suppression Division for further investigation. However, the filing does not establish criminal guilt. Prosecutors must determine whether charges should proceed, and the courts will ultimately decide the case.
Thai Promoter Also Named in Regulatory Complaint
Thailand’s SEC has also identified an individual it believes assisted Bitget in promoting its services to local customers.
The regulator named Kritsana Kritsananuwat, alleging that he helped publicize the exchange and its promotional activities through a Facebook page called Srisiam and a YouTube channel operating under the name SRISIAM.
According to the SEC, these activities increased awareness of Bitget and encouraged additional users to access its services.
The regulator considers the alleged promotional assistance a potential violation of the same licensing framework, as individuals who knowingly facilitate an unauthorized digital asset business may also face legal consequences.
Both matters have been referred for further investigation.
Bitget Users Face December 5 Access Deadline
The planned restrictions will cover Bitget’s primary website, other associated domains, and its mobile application.
Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has the authority to restrict access to unlicensed digital asset platforms under measures introduced in 2025 to combat technology-related financial crime and protect investors.
The SEC has specifically warned customers not to wait until the deadline to address assets held on the exchange.
Users have been encouraged to review their accounts and consider appropriate steps to protect access to their cryptocurrency holdings before December 5.
The regulator also emphasized that customers using unauthorized platforms may not receive the same legal protections available through locally licensed operators. Additional risks include potential exposure to scams and money laundering activities.
Thailand Tightens Oversight of Offshore Crypto Exchanges
The planned Bitget restriction reflects Thailand’s broader effort to strengthen control over cryptocurrency services operating within its borders.
Authorities have increasingly focused on platforms that provide access to digital asset trading without obtaining the required domestic approvals.
For international exchanges, the latest development highlights the importance of complying with local licensing requirements, even when their operations are based outside the country.
The case also creates an important distinction between global availability and regulatory authorization. An exchange may serve customers internationally, but that does not automatically grant it permission to provide regulated services in every jurisdiction.
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