The Thai government has launched a comprehensive initiative to combat “grey money”—illicit funds derived from criminal syndicates and tax evasion that are disguised through legitimate financial channels. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, following a high-level meeting at the Finance Ministry, has directed regulators to bridge the gaps between traditional physical assets and modern digital platforms to prevent money laundering.
Centralized Data and the “Data Bureau”
Rather than establishing a new department, the government is creating a “Data Bureau.” This integrated system will use Open API technology to link financial data across multiple agencies. By consolidating information on gold trades, digital assets, e-wallets, foreign exchange, and cash, authorities will gain a unified perspective on suspicious activities that were previously siloed.
Stricter Controls on the Gold Market
Gold trading is a primary focus of this crackdown. To prevent “smurfing”—a tactic where large sums are broken into small transactions to avoid detection—anti-money laundering (AML) officials have been ordered to significantly lower the reporting threshold for gold bar purchases, which currently stands at 2 million baht.
Additionally, the government is targeting online gold trading platforms that operate without physical delivery. The Revenue Department is exploring a specific business tax for these platforms, alongside requirements for stricter accounting practices and dedicated accounts to facilitate state audits.
Currency Stability and the Baht
The regulation of gold is also a matter of national economic policy. Officials have linked massive gold-related capital flows to the rapid appreciation of the Thai baht, which rose approximately 10.3% in 2025. This surge has pressured the tourism and export sectors, leading the Finance Ministry to consider trading caps and new taxes to stabilize the currency.
Crypto Regulation and the Travel Rule
In the digital sector, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been tasked with the strict enforcement of the “Travel Rule.” This requires digital asset service providers to identify both the originators and beneficiaries of wallet-to-wallet transfers, effectively stripping away the anonymity that previously shielded illicit crypto flows.
A Unified Enforcement Strategy
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that this push is about modernization, addressing both “analogue” crimes and high-tech digital threats simultaneously. For businesses operating as exchanges, brokers, or gold traders, these changes signal a new era of heavy compliance, requiring rigorous identity verification and transparent reporting to ensure illicit funds cannot move between asset classes undetected.
