Blockchain network Aptos expands stablecoin reach through Thai exchange partnership
Thailand's Bitkub exchange now supports native USDT transfers on the Aptos blockchain, enabling deposits and withdrawals at minimal cost of approximately $0.0005 per transaction with near-instant settlement times. The integration provides Thai users with efficient on-ramps and off-ramps for USDT denominated in local Thai baht currency. Bitkub's partnership with the Aptos Foundation includes educational initiatives across Thailand and Southeast Asia, complementing similar rollouts by major exchanges in Taiwan and South Korea.
Aptos launched native USDT directly on its blockchain in October 2024, marking a significant milestone for the network's stablecoin infrastructure. Unlike wrapped or bridged versions, Tether issues this token natively through Aptos's Move-based fungible asset framework, ensuring full integration with the chain's technical standards.
Regional exchange adoption of Aptos-native USDT has accelerated throughout Asia over the past two years. Taiwan's MAX exchange began supporting the integration alongside Bitkub in late September 2026, while major South Korean platforms Bithumb and Upbit established support during 2025, suggesting coordinated momentum across key Southeast and East Asian markets.
This expansion could benefit Thai retail users and small businesses by reducing friction costs associated with stablecoin transfers, potentially encouraging greater participation in digital finance infrastructure. For Aptos, growing exchange adoption across Asia may increase network transaction volume and user engagement in a strategically important region. However, the long-term impact depends on sustained merchant adoption and regulatory clarity around stablecoin use in each country. Traditional financial institutions might view such integrations as either competitive threats or partnership opportunities.