Thailand's move to exempt crypto transfers through government-approved exchanges is pretty interesting.
The government's goal is to promote cryptocurrency trade on authorized exchanges (approved and regulated by SEC).
However, this is just temporary. The tax exemption will eventually stop on Dec. 31, 2023.
I see what's happening here...
They fail to encourage traders to prefer authorized exchanges since there are cheaper alternatives. The problem is digital asset operators see this as an opportunity to provide services outside the government's surveillance and control.
It's a good thing because:
1. Government already fully acknowledges crypto trading. No more resistance.
2. They want to create a more secure environment for crypto investors. Better security = Higher confidence = More investors.
3. They don't want to control the blockchain--they can't. They only want to regulate transactions to protect investors from losing money. Of course, they want the government to make a little bit of profit, too. (As long as that profit--tax--benefits the people, that's fine)
Overall, this is good for the crypto space.
Hmm, it looks like a kind of amnesty rather than anything else and drawing business through government controlled exchanges is a nice perk to help them get established with the local audience. They could offer all sorts of favorable perks later on if they are able to grow their customer base wide enough. However the real impetus is drawing in funds held by the citizens of Thailand without charging them the heavier taxes that might be liable through third party exchanges. Those third party exchanges are clearly not sharing information with the government and this enables the government to source some information on people who are using cryptocurrency to better monitor them in future, so beware any longer term issues if you are based in Thailand and earning from elsewhere.