SiamDEX vs Bitkub: What's the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

What are SiamDEX and Bitkub? — Getting to Know Them

If you're a crypto investor in Thailand, Bitkub needs no introduction. However, many are still wondering what SiamDEX is and how it differs. Before deciding which one to use, let's clarify what each platform represents.

Bitkub is a Centralized Exchange (CEX), currently the largest in Thailand. Founded in 2018 and regulated by the Thai SEC, users must complete Identity Verification (KYC) before trading. Bitkub acts as a custodian, holding assets on behalf of users, much like a bank.

SiamDEX is a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Interface—a Thai-language gateway built on Hyperliquid, the world's #1 DEX by volume. Users connect using their own MetaMask wallet. There is no middleman holding your funds; every transaction settles directly on the blockchain.

To put it simply: Bitkub is like a bank — it has employees, a physical presence, and KYC. It offers convenience but comes with restrictions. SiamDEX is like an ATM connected directly to the global market — no middleman, funds stay in your hands, but you carry more personal responsibility.

Fee Comparison — How Much is the Difference?

Fees directly impact your profit, especially for active traders.

Bitkub:

• Taker fee: 0.25% per trade
• Maker fee: 0.25% per trade
• THB Withdrawal: 20 THB (fixed)
• Crypto Withdrawal: Varies by network and coin

SiamDEX (via Hyperliquid):

• Taker fee: 0.025% per trade
• Maker fee: 0.002% per trade (you actually receive a rebate)
• Builder fee (SiamDEX): 0.01% per trade
• Total Taker fee: 0.035%
• USDC Withdrawal: 1 USDC (fixed)

Comparison: If you trade 100,000 THB (approx. $2,800) per month with 12 trades:

• Bitkub: You pay 3,000 THB/month in fees.
• SiamDEX: You pay 420 THB/month in fees.

The difference is 7 times. For active traders, these savings represent a massive long-term advantage.

Tradable Assets — Who Offers More?

This is where the two platforms diverge most significantly.

Bitkub supports:

• Approximately 50-80 major cryptos (BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, etc.).
• Spot trading only (buying/selling actual assets with no leverage).
• No trading for Gold, Oil, Stocks, or Indices.

SiamDEX (via Hyperliquid) supports:

• Over 150+ Crypto Perpetual Futures (BTC, SOL, HYPE, etc.).
• Long and Short trading with up to 40x leverage.
• HIP-3 Assets — Gold (GOLD), Oil (BRENTOIL, CL), Silver, and Platinum.
• Synthetic US Stocks — NVDA, AAPL, TSLA, AMZN, GOOGL, and 30+ more.
• Market Indices — S&P 500, Nasdaq.
• Forex — EUR/USD, USD/JPY.

If you only want BTC or ETH with Thai Baht, Bitkub is enough. But if you want access to global stocks and commodities without a foreign broker, SiamDEX is currently the only viable answer in Thailand.

Security — Where are Your Funds Safer?

Bitkub — Centralized Risk: Funds are in Bitkub's custody. If the exchange faces financial issues or hacks, your funds could be affected. However, being Thai SEC-regulated provides a layer of legal trust.

SiamDEX (Hyperliquid) — Decentralized Risk: Funds are in smart contracts on the Hyperliquid blockchain. SiamDEX never touches your money. The risk lies in smart contract vulnerabilities or you losing your MetaMask private key.

KYC and Privacy

Bitkub (Mandatory KYC): You must provide ID and facial scans. Your data is stored in their system and reported to authorities as per Thai law.

SiamDEX (No KYC): Connect MetaMask and trade instantly. No personal data is collected. This is ideal for those who prioritize financial privacy, though you are still responsible for your own tax reporting.

Which One is Right for You?

Bitkub is for: Beginners, long-term holders, and those who want to buy crypto directly with THB and have Thai-language support.

SiamDEX is for: Active traders, those wanting leverage, people interested in global stocks/gold/oil, and privacy-conscious users who can manage their own wallets.

Summary — Use Both Together

The best strategy for Thais is to use them together as they complement each other perfectly:

1. Use Bitkub to buy USDC with Thai Baht (On-ramp).
2. Transfer USDC via the Arbitrum network to your MetaMask.
3. Use SiamDEX to trade crypto, stocks, gold, and oil with low fees.
4. When you want to realize profits, transfer USDC back to Bitkub to sell for Baht (Off-ramp).

You don't have to choose just one. Use Bitkub as your bridge and SiamDEX as your high-performance trading engine to conquer the global market.