Which broker is better for Thailand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Thailand's forex market has grown rapidly, with experienced retail traders seeking brokers that combine low costs, fast execution, and local payment convenience. IC Markets and Hantec Markets are two well-known international brokers, but they cater to different trader needs. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is a top choice for high-volume traders due to its raw spreads from 0.0 pips and ECN execution. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, offers a more traditional dealing desk model with fixed spreads. For Thai traders, the ability to deposit via PromptPay, Bank Transfer, and Skrill in THB is crucial. IC Markets excels here with instant deposits and no fees, while Hantec Markets imposes a higher minimum deposit of $500. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Thailand's active traders: costs, platforms, regulation, and local support.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Thai traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $3.50 commission per lot round turn. This is ideal for scalpers and day traders who trade multiple lots daily. Hantec Markets has spreads from 1.2 pips on its standard account with no commission, but this is significantly higher for active traders. On a typical EUR/USD trade of 1 lot, IC Markets costs $3.50, while Hantec Markets costs $12.00. Over 100 trades per month, IC Markets saves Thai traders $850 in spreads alone.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are the most popular platforms among Thai traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform favored for its intuitive interface and depth of market. Hantec Markets lacks cTrader but offers a proprietary web trader. For Thai traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs), IC Markets has lower latency and better VPS options, ensuring uninterrupted automated trading.
| Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets uses ECN technology with execution speeds under 40 milliseconds, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. Hantec Markets operates a dealing desk model with requotes on volatile markets. Thai traders who prioritize fast, slippage-free execution will find IC Markets superior.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FCA (UK) and FSA (Vanuatu). Neither broker is directly regulated by the SEC Thailand, which means Thai traders rely on international oversight. IC Markets offers negative balance protection and segregated client funds under ASIC rules. Hantec Markets also segregates funds but has a lower compensation scheme. Thai traders should prioritize brokers with strong regulatory backing, and IC Markets' ASIC regulation is considered more robust.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Thai traders can fund their accounts using PromptPay, Bank Transfer, and Skrill in local THB. IC Markets supports these methods with zero deposit fees and instant processing. The minimum deposit is $200 (approx. 7,000 THB). Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours via the same methods, with no fees. Hantec Markets also accepts PromptPay and Bank Transfer but requires a $500 minimum deposit (approx. 17,500 THB). Withdrawals take 1-3 business days and may incur a small fee. For Thai traders, IC Markets is more accessible and cost-effective for both deposits and withdrawals.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Thailand, in compliance with Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types without any additional charges, automatically applied upon request. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but requires traders to contact support to activate it. There are no hidden fees, but Hantec Markets may charge a small administrative fee for long-term holdings. IC Markets is more transparent and easier to set up for Thai Muslim traders.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Thai language support available during Asian trading hours. Hantec Markets provides support from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM GMT+7, with English-only live chat. For Thai traders, IC Markets' extended hours and local language support are a clear advantage.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For experienced Thai traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 rating, lower costs, and superior execution. It supports local payments via PromptPay, Bank Transfer, and Skrill in THB with no fees, making it highly accessible. While Hantec Markets (3.6/5) offers FCA regulation and fixed spreads, its higher minimum deposit and slower execution make it less suitable for active traders. Thai traders should also note that neither broker is regulated by SEC Thailand, so due diligence is essential. Overall, IC Markets provides the best value for cost-conscious, high-volume traders in Thailand.