Recently, gold trading transactions have drawn scrutiny for contributing to various issues, ranging from money laundering to causing the baht to appreciate rapidly. Consequently, today (30 Jan 2026), the Bank of Thailand announced new measures to tighten controls, especially on online gold trading platforms, aiming to increase transparency in gold trading.
What about retail investors like us who want to buy gold through apps? Thairath Money has summarized the new rules in a simple way right here.
The latest Central Bank measures apply to general customers but exclude gold businesses or manufacturers of gold-related products. These rules will take effect from 1 Mar 2026 and are divided into two major points.
1. Transaction Limit Control
Gold buying and selling on “online platforms that settle in baht” will be capped at no more than 50 million baht per transaction. There are exceptions for
1.1 In-store gold transactions.
1.2 Gold saving platforms with one-way transactions (where selling is not allowed).
1.3 Trading on the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX).
Key point If anyone currently holds gold valued over 50 million baht before 30 January 2026, there is no need to rush to sell it! The Bank of Thailand offers a special condition allowing existing gold holdings to be sold without time limits, enabling gradual liquidation until the stock is depleted.
2. Five important points to know when buying or selling gold on platforms using baht or US dollars.
2.1 It is prohibited to use another person’s account for payment or receipt.
2.2 Payments must be made exclusively via electronic methods; cash payments will no longer be accepted.
2.3 Full payment for gold must be made; partial payments or net settlements are not allowed.
2.4 Gold transfers or deliveries must be conducted in person.
2.5 Selling gold requires having fully paid gold on the platform beforehand (short selling is prohibited).
Therefore, anyone holding gold in their portfolio should now “check” how much they have and begin planning where to store that gold.
For gold savers: If your gold saving platform qualifies as one-way (no selling allowed), buying gold exceeding 50 million baht is not problematic. When you have accumulated the desired gold weight, you can redeem physical gold at a gold shop—but you must be the account owner to receive it; someone else cannot receive gold on your behalf anymore.
For gold traders: When buying gold on a platform, you must pay the full amount upfront. If this seems complicated, traders might consider buying and selling gold in US dollars or trading on the TFEX market instead.
Nevertheless, gold is widely considered the safest asset at present. However, those speculating or planning to hold gold should carefully consider their overall financial situation. Recently, gold prices hit record highs but then plunged sharply overnight. Those unprepared might have to sell at a loss. Buying gold requires clarity on whether you intend to hold long term or speculate short term; understanding your own goals will make financial and life planning easier.
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