Thailand is set to issue $150 million worth of blockchain-based investment tokens dubbed "G-tokens," marking a significant step in opening its government bond market to the general public. The initiative, spearheaded by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and recently approved by the cabinet, is expected to launch within two months, according to Bangko Post.
Unlike traditional bonds, these tokens are not classified as debt instruments but will still serve to support government financing under the national budget. The tokens will be accessible via digital platforms, allowing Thai citizens to invest with a minimum of just 100 baht (approximately $3), dramatically lowering the barrier to entry compared to conventional bond offerings.
The Ministry of Finance stated that returns on G-tokens are projected to exceed existing bank deposit rates, which currently hover below 1.5%, although specific yields have not yet been disclosed. The tokens will be tradable on licensed Thai digital exchanges, but only local residents will be eligible to participate.
This move aligns with Thailand’s broader digital finance strategy, which includes ongoing efforts by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish a blockchain-based trading platform for institutional investors. Officials emphasize that these tokens differ from volatile cryptocurrencies by offering stability and integration with formal fiscal planning.
With the G-token launch, Thailand joins a growing list of countries experimenting with tokenized public finance to foster inclusivity and digital transformation in capital markets.