Thailand Updates ICO Licensing Progress, Warns Firm Issuing Token Without License

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed the number of applications it has received from businesses wanting to operate initial coin offering portals in the country. However, at least one company is already issuing a token without obtaining approval. Meanwhile, the first Thai Stock Exchange-listed company to launch a token has a new plan to revitalize its coin.

Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space

ICO Portal Applications

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the country’s main cryptocurrency regulator, has revealed the number of companies that have applied to operate initial coin offering (ICO) portals in the country.

According to the Bangkok Insight, Mrs. Praopon Senanarong, the Assistant Secretary of the Thai SEC, said that the regulator is reviewing six applications for ICO portals, which are expected to be approved in the fourth quarter of this year. In addition, 12 more portals are interested but have not formally applied for a license.

Furthermore, the SEC will set up a committee of ICO experts and SEC representatives to oversee ICOs and ICO portals in September.

Firm Issuing Token Without License

The SEC issued a public warning last week about DB Hold Plc soliciting investments in shares and a token without approval after receiving inquiries from investors regarding the company.

After investigating, the SEC found that the company has been soliciting investors through social media for company shares and pre-ICO tokens in the amount of 500 million baht (~US$15,346,130).

Emphasizing that DB Hold Plc is not authorized to issue tokens, the SEC says that it has ordered the company to cease all activities relating to the issuance of the token. Furthermore, the regulator reiterates that no company has been granted approval to issue new tokens. Companies that launched their tokens prior to the adoption of the country’s crypto regulations, however, are exempt from having to apply for a license.

New Plan for First ICO by Thai Stock Exchange-listed Company

Jmart Plc is the first company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand to issue a token. The company issued Jfincoin through its subsidiary, Jventures Plc. Despite much effort, the coin’s value has fallen from 6.60 baht (~$0.20) per coin in February to about 1.70 baht (~$0.05) within 6 months of launch, Mgr Online reported.

Adding to the loss of investor confidence is the allegation that a former Jventures executive was involved in the high-profile bitcoin fraud case involving a well-known soap actor scamming a Finnish bitcoiner, the news outlet detailed.

The company has now come up with a new plan. Jmart is seeking permission from the Bank of Thailand and the SEC to use Jfincoin for payments in stores, starting with its own Jmart stores. If approved, this coin will be the first legal token that can be used for payments in the country, the publication conveyed.

What do you think of the way Thailand is handling ICOs? Let us know in the comments section below.

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