XRP Emerges as Thailand's Preferred Safe-Haven Over Gold in Crypto Surge

XRP has surged to prominence in Thailand’s financial landscape, achieving a staggering 390% year-over-year growth as of August 2025, according to reports from the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This outpaces Bitcoin’s 85% annual gain and Ethereum’s 17.21% increase, positioning XRP as the top-performing asset in the country for nine consecutive months despite a 9.41% monthly decline in late 2025. The altcoin’s dominance is underscored by a 2% monthly rise in trading volume, reaching $8.2 billion, driven by retail investors who account for 42% of total transactions.

The Thai SEC’s data highlights XRP’s ability to outperform traditional safe-haven assets like gold, which has historically been a cornerstone of investment portfolios. While gold’s role as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty remains relevant, XRP’s utility in cross-border payments and its alignment with Thailand’s regulatory experiments—such as tokenized sovereign debt and a crypto payments platform—have fueled its adoption. The altcoin’s ecosystem also benefits from a 8.44% monthly increase in active crypto addresses, now totaling 230,000, with institutional and foreign investors contributing 21% and 16% of trades, respectively.

Thailand’s crypto market, despite regulatory constraints, has shown resilience. While the country bans most cryptocurrencies for settlements, stablecoins like Tether are permitted, and Bitcoin remains legal for tourist payments. This partial openness has created a fertile ground for XRP, which is increasingly favored by individuals excluded from traditional banking systems. The debanking of 3 million locals in 2025, linked to a nationwide crackdown on “mule accounts,” has further accelerated interest in blockchain-based alternatives.

Analysts attribute XRP’s success to its practical applications and regulatory optimism. Ripple’s partnerships with financial institutions and its focus on low-cost, high-speed transactions have differentiated it from speculative assets. John Squire, a crypto analyst, predicts XRP could hit $4 by late 2025, citing technical indicators and growing institutional interest. However, the altcoin’s price remains in a consolidation phase, with a current valuation of $2.87. This creates a dilemma for investors: whether to bet on its long-term potential or capitalize on short-term volatility.

The Thai market’s embrace of XRP reflects broader shifts in investor behavior. Retail traders, in particular, have driven demand, with grassroots enthusiasm outweighing institutional activity. This contrasts with the U.S. market, where a new XRP ETF by REX-Osprey has not significantly impacted token prices. In Thailand, however, XRP’s appeal extends beyond speculative gains, serving as a tool for financial inclusion and a hedge against macroeconomic instability.

Looking ahead, XRP’s trajectory will depend on regulatory clarity and macroeconomic trends. While its fixed supply and technological infrastructure support a bullish case, market volatility and geopolitical risks remain challenges. The Thai SEC’s continued monitoring of crypto activities, coupled with global trends like de-dollarization and rising inflation, could further bolster XRP’s role as a hybrid asset—combining the stability of traditional safe havens with the innovation of digital finance.