This cafe offers cryptocurrency advise with coffee and cake

<p>A cafe in north-east Thailand has been transformed into a haven for cryptocurrency traders, with the addition of banks of screens showing the latest market movements and offering financial advice alongside coffee and cake.</p> <p>Behind a serene façade of cherry blossom trees, customers of HIP Coffee & Restaurant stare at their laptops, cautiously sipping iced coffee - part of a growing interest in digital assets in Thailand that has regulators concerned.</p> <p>"Being here is interesting for me because I get to meet individuals who share my interests," said Detnarong Satianphut, a 35-year-old cryptocurrency trader.</p> <p>"We (traders) exchange information since we are up against millions of people in the trading industry."</p> <p>Thailand's cryptocurrency market has been gaining traction, with up to 251 billion baht ($7.62 billion) worth of digital assets moved in November, according to the latest government figures.</p> <p>Thailand announced earlier this month that it would begin regulating the use of digital assets as payment methods, citing potential threats to financial stability and the wider economic system.</p> <p>The HIP cafe, which opened in 2013, received a crypto makeover in 2020.</p> <p>According to workers, its consumer base has grown since then. According to manager Oakkharawat Yongsakuljinda, the cafe gives alternative investment prospects for residents of the neighbouring province of Nakhon Ratchasima.</p> <p>It provides free investment advice and is considering launching its own digital coin.</p> <p>Its users claim that trading at the café provides them with the best chance of success in a turbulent market, in which the most well-known cryptocurrency, bitcoin, just hit six-month lows.</p> <p>"Having so many screens is quite beneficial... We instantly recognise and begin analysing crash factors and whether we should buy," said Apakon Putnok, a 23-year-old trader.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href='http://paypal.me/cryptopirates'>Support us!</a></p>