Thailand Launches Blockchain G-Tokens Allowing Public to Invest in Bonds From Just Hundreds of Baht

Thailand Moves Ahead With Digital Bond Tokens Targeting Small Investors

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is preparing to launch a new type of digital token aimed at making government bond investments more accessible to the general public.

The initiative will begin with a pilot issuance of G-Tokens worth 5 billion baht, or roughly $150 million, expected to roll out within two to three months.

What Are G-Tokens And Who Are They For?

The G-Token, short for “Government Token” and also known as “Thailand Digital Token,” is being introduced as a way for ordinary citizens to invest in government-backed assets using smaller amounts of money—potentially just a few hundred baht.

According to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, these digital tokens are not considered a form of cryptocurrency or a new type of debt, but rather a digital mechanism to raise funds under the current public debt framework.

Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand’s Finance Minister

Pichai said during a briefing,

“Traditionally, the PDMO issues bonds annually to finance budget deficits. By allowing fundraising through token issuance, the government hopes to make it easier for small investors to participate, even with as little as a few hundred baht.”

Translation:

Deputy Prime Minister/Minister Pichai announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft announcement of the Ministry of Finance, paving the way for the Thai government's digital token (G-Token), increasing savings and investment channels for the public and is considered a digital asset that can be traded in the Digital Exchange system, laying the foundation for the country's Digital Economy.

Why Is Thailand Doing This Now?

The decision to adopt digital tokens follows recent momentum in Asia towards exploring blockchain-based investment tools.

Other countries like Malaysia and Japan have shown growing interest in digital assets, and in January, Bloomberg reported that Thailand was reviewing the possibility of listing Bitcoin ETFs on its domestic exchanges.

This new move aligns with a proposal previously floated by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—father of current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra—who advocated for stablecoins backed by government bonds as part of Thailand’s financial innovation strategy.

Cabinet Gives Green Light For Trial Launch

At a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the proposal from the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) to issue the tokens was formally approved.

The trial will serve as a test case before any potential scale-up.

Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul confirmed that the token issuance is part of the country’s annual borrowing plan, adding that the format could help attract low-income investors and strengthen activity in the secondary bond market.

Translation:

The Cabinet meeting yesterday (May 13, 2015) approved the method of borrowing money according to the Public Debt Management Act by issuing digital assets (G-Token) with a budget of 5 billion baht, which is not related to digital wallets. It is expected to be available for sale no later than July 2015.

Paopoom clarified that the G-Tokens are not a new form of government debt or a cryptocurrency.

G-Tokens Aim To Offer Higher Returns Than Bank Deposits

One of the key motivations behind G-Tokens is the potential for higher and more stable returns compared to conventional savings options like bank deposits.

Pichai said the goal is to offer better yields through long-term investment, giving more people a chance to grow their savings in a low-risk environment backed by the government.

As Thailand prepares to open this new investment channel, the pilot will act as a key test of how digital finance tools can expand financial inclusion while modernising state-backed investment schemes.