Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has called for Thailand’s financial institutions to adopt a more progressive stance on cryptocurrency, according to a Reuters report.
Although no longer holding an official government position, Thaksin remains a significant political figure, with his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, currently serving as Prime Minister.
Speaking at a Bangkok event, Thaksin emphasised the economic opportunities of cryptocurrency, referencing global trends such as the U.S.’s pro-crypto policies.
He pointed to the appointment of Paul Atkins, a crypto deregulation advocate, to a prominent role in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as indicative of the growing acceptance of digital assets globally.
Thaksin suggested that Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopt regulatory frameworks to support the trade of stablecoins, digital currencies backed by assets.
He characterised cryptocurrencies as carrying minimal risk, likening them to existing global currencies.
While discussing digital innovation, Thaksin referenced the Thai government’s recent pilot programme for crypto payments on the resort island of Phuket, viewing it as a promising step in integrating digital assets into the nation’s financial ecosystem.
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