Money trees featuring Thai banknotes in Tak province
One baht bill

The banknotes of the Thai baht are part of the physical form of the Thai baht, Thailand's currency. The issuance of the baht banknotes is managed by the Bank of Thailand. Throughout its history, the denominations have ranged from 1 baht to 1,000 baht. The circulating banknotes today in Thailand, however, are ranged from 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht and 1000 baht. The currently circulating series are 17th, 16th and 15th series. Thai baht banknotes commonly include the portrait or the picture of the sculpture of its kings. The obverses have been designed with the current king's portrait. Whilst, in the reverses, mostly the picture of notable kings and kings with the title "the great". Some reverses feature the King Bhumibol's sayings.

History

In 1851, the government issued notes for 1⁄8, 1⁄4, 3⁄8, 1⁄2, and 1 tical, followed by 3, 4, 6, and 10 tamlueng in 1853. After 1857, notes for 20 and 40 ticals were issued, also bearing their values in Straits dollars and Indian rupees. Undated notes were also issued before 1868 for 5, 7, 8, 12, and 15 tamlueng, and 1 chang. One att notes were issued in 1874.

In 1892, the treasury contracted with Giesecke & Devrient in Germany to print notes for 1, 5, 10, 40, 80, 100, 400, and 800 ticals, called "baht" in the Thai text. They were delivered to the Siamese Treasury, but never issued. Eventually the notes held in reserve were destroyed, with only a few remainders saved.

The year 1902 marked the introduction of reforms by prince Jayanta Mongkol after his observations of banking practices in Europe, which became an important landmark in the inauguration of paper money in Thailand.[1] On September 19, 1902, the government introduced notes which were printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, England, during the reigns of Kings Rama V and Rama VI, denominated 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1000 ticals, still called baht in the Thai text — each denomination having many types,[2] with 1 and 50 tical notes following in 1918. In 1925, notes were issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 baht with the denomination in both Arabic and Thai numerals without English text;[3] English speakers continued to refer to these as "ticals".[4]

In 1942, the Bank of Thailand was founded and took over responsibility for the issuance of paper money. 50 baht notes were briefly reintroduced in 1945, with 50 satang notes issued in 1946. The one baht note was replaced by a coin in 1957 and the five baht was replaced in 1972. 50 baht notes were again reintroduced in 1985, with the 10 baht note replaced by a coin in 1988. The EURion constellation has been used on the reverse of 100 and 1000 baht notes since 2003. Older notes are occasionally still found in circulation, for example, 10 baht notes, and these can usually be spent without problem. In any case, they can be exchanged for free in banks.

15th series

The 15th series are the oldest circulating banknotes in Thailand. They were issued throughout the year 2003 – 2005. The banknotes can still be seen and used in common manners.

15th series banknotes [1] Archived 2013-02-20 at the Wayback Machine
Value Dimensions Main colour Description Date of issue
Obverse Reverse
20 baht 138 × 72 mm Green King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927–2016) in the uniform of the Supreme head of the armed forces King Ananda Mahidol (1925–1946), and his visiting Sampheng with King Bhumibol, Rama VIII Bridge 3 March 2003
50 baht 144 × 72 mm Blue King Mongkut (1804–1868), astronomical tools, Phra Pathom Chedi 19 March 2004
100 baht 150 × 72 mm Red 21 October 2005
500 baht 156 × 72 mm Purple Statue of King Nangklao (1788–1851) at Laan Phlub Phla Maha Jedsada Bodin, Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanatdaram 1 August 2001
1,000 baht 162 × 72 mm Brown King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Pa Sak Jolasid Dam 25 November 2005

16th series

16th series banknotes[5]
Value Dimensions Main colour Description Date of issue
Obverse Reverse
20 baht[6] 138 × 72 mm Green King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the Royal House of Chakri gown King Ram Khamhaeng (1247–1298) on the Manangkhasila Asana Throne monument, invention of the Thai script, Ramkhamhaeng stele 1 April 2013[7]
50 baht[8] 144 × 72 mm Blue King Naresuan (1555–1605) pouring water for declaration of independence monument, King Naresuan during the Great on war elephant, Phra Chedi Chai Mongkol 18 January 2012[9]
100 baht[10] 150 × 72 mm Red King Taksin the Great (1734–1782) monument at the Wongwian Yai circle, Thonburi palace, Wi Chai Prasit Fortress 26 February 2015[11]
500 baht[12] 156 × 72 mm Violet King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (1737–1809) monument at the Saphan Phut, Chedis at Wat Pho, Phra Sumen Fort 12 May 2014[13]
1,000 baht[14] 162 × 72 mm Brown King Chulalongkron, the Great, the Equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn at the Royal Plaza, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, end-of-slavery declaration of Siam 21 August 2015[15]

16th series (special)

In 2016, after the passing of King Bhumibol, the Bank of Thailand issued the special series "The tribute to the great King Bhumibol". The reverses are replaced with the portrait of King Bhumibol through his life. The banknotes were rare at the first time being issued. As of 2018, however, the bills are commonly found and circulated in Thailand. Some Thais even mistakenly thought these were the new permanent series of banknotes.

16th series banknotes (special)[5]
Value Dimensions Main colour Description Date of issue
Obverse Reverse
20 baht[6] 138 × 72 mm Green King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the Royal House of Chakri gown Young prince Bhumibol in Lausanne Switzerland, his family members including; Prince Mahidol, Princess Mother, Prince Ananda, Galyani Vadhana 20 September 2017
50 baht[8] 144 × 72 mm Blue King Bhumibol reading a book, His coronation, his marriage with the Queen Sirikit, his monkhood
100 baht[10] 150 × 72 mm Red Rural areas visiting, his family including; Sirikit, Vajiralongkorn, Ubolratana Rajakanya, Sirindhorn
500 baht Violet His agricultural works and inventions including; Chai Pattana water mill and Fon Luang project
1,000 baht[14] 162 × 72 mm Brown 60th Anniversary Celebrations of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession, the Bhumibol Bridge

17th series

The 17th series banknotes are the current ones issued for circulation in Thailand from 2018 on. Since the Thai ritual of printing the current king's portrait on the obverse, the King Bhumibol's passing leading the Bank of Thailand to reissue the new version featuring the new king, Vajiralongkorn's portrait. The banknotes's reverses are designed on the idea of the ten kings in the Chakri dynasty's contributions and works on improving the country. Each note's reverse contains two kings and their works, sorting from the Rama I to Rama X, from the 20 baht to 1,000 baht, accordingly.

On 24 March 2022, the 20 baht banknote was reissued as a polymer banknote. The 20 baht was selected to be changed from paper to polymer to improve the quality as it is the most widely used banknote and hence quickly gets soiled and damaged. The new banknote has the same design as before with some additional polymer-note security features.[16]

17th series banknotes[17]
Value Dimensions Main colour Description Date of issue
Obverse Reverse
Left Right
20 baht 138 × 72 mm Green King Vajiralongkorn in the uniform of the commander of the Royal Thai Air Force Kings Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke and Grand Palace King Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai and Thai mural of a scene from Enau 6 April 2018 (paper) and 24 March 2022 (polymer)
50 baht 144 × 72 mm Blue King Nangklao and a Chinese junk King Mongkut and Khao Wang 6 April 2018
100 baht 150 × 72 mm Red King Chulalongkorn, the great and his royal trip to visit Haakon VII of Norway in Norway. Bill show King Chulalongkorn the great - the royal trip to Norway; the picture shows himself riding in the car with Sam Eyde in Notodden, Norway. They were discussing about electricity as the king initiated the electricity usage in Siam after returning from Norway[18] King Vajiravudh and the founding of Thai Boy Scouts 6 April 2018
500 baht 156 × 72 mm Purple King Prajadhipok (1893–1941) and his granting of the first constitution King Ananda Mahidol and his visit to Sampheng with Prince Bhumibol at the time 28 July 2018
1,000 baht 162 × 72 mm Brown King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his visit to Nakhon Phanom, taking a lotus given by the elder Thoum King Vajiralongkorn and his visit to somewhere in the rural Thailand 28 July 2018

The pictures displayed within the kings' portrait are the moment of each's works which could be described as follows:

Commemorative notes

In addition to the banknotes currently in circulation, numerous commemorative notes have been issued:

References

  1. ^ Wararat; Sumit (Feb 26, 2012). "Thai Banknote Evolution". Bank of Thailand. By Royal Command, the Siamese Currency Notes Act, R.E. 121 was promulgated on June 24, 1902.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Banknotes, Series 1". Bank of Thailand. Feb 26, 2012. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2018. The design was printed only on one side; so the note was called 'Uniface banknote'. There were 7 denominations....
  3. ^ "Banknotes, Series 2". Bank of Thailand. Feb 26, 2012. Archived from the original on July 4, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2018. on the back side was the picture of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. This type of banknote was called "Ploughing Ceremony Note".
  4. ^ Duncan Stearn (27 June – 3 July 2003). "Rise of state-sponsored militarism and socialism". Pattaya Mail. Pattaya: Pattaya Mail Publishing Co. XI (26). Archived from the original on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 18 Feb 2012. Does Japan dominate Siam?" I asked a leading Englishman in Bangkok. He laughed quietly: "Have you any Siamese money?" he asked. I drew out a five-ticul note (about 2 dollars 50c). "Read what is printed at the foot of the note", he commanded. I read, "Thomas de la Rue and Co., London". With calm confidence he said: "As long as the word 'London' stands on that Siamese bill, it is not Japan but another little island which will have the larger say in the Kingdom of Siam.
  5. ^ a b "Circulating Banknotes". Archived from the original on 2013-02-20. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  6. ^ a b "20_16". www.bot.or.th. Archived from the original on 2018-12-23. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  7. ^ "ธปท.เปิดตัวแบงก์ 50 ใหม่ เริ่มใช้ 18 ม.ค.-ปลอมยาก!". ASTV Manager Daily. Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 12 Jan 2012.
  8. ^ a b "50_16". www.bot.or.th. Archived from the original on 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  9. ^ "ธปท.ออกใช้ธนบัตรชนิดราคา 20บาท แบบใหม่". Than Setthakij. Archived from the original on 20 May 2013. Retrieved 28 Mar 2013.
  10. ^ a b "100_16". www.bot.or.th. Archived from the original on 2018-12-22. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  11. ^ Press release announcing the issuance of the Series 16 100 baht banknote Archived 2015-02-24 at the Wayback Machine Bank of Thailand (www.bot.or.th). Retrieved on 2015-02-24.
  12. ^ "500_16". www.bot.or.th. Archived from the original on 2018-12-23. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  13. ^ Press release announcing the issuance of the Series 16 500 baht banknote Archived 2015-04-03 at the Wayback Machine Bank of Thailand (www.bot.or.th). Retrieved on 2014-05-08.
  14. ^ a b "1000 Baht Series 16". www.bot.or.th. Archived from the original on 2018-12-23. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  15. ^ Press release announcing the issuance of the Series 16 1,000 baht banknote Archived 2015-10-09 at the Wayback Machine Bank of Thailand (www.boh.or.th). Retrieved on 2015-08-18.
  16. ^ "The Bank of Thailand will start issuing 20 Baht Polymer Banknote on 24 March 2022". Bank of Thailand. 20 January 2022. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  17. ^ "The Bank of Thailand Launches New Series of Thai Banknotes (Series 17), BOT Press Release No. 17/2018" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  18. ^ "King Chulalongkorn of Thailand's visit to Norway in 1907". Archived from the original on 2021-05-05. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  19. ^ a b "The Introduction of Two Commemorative Banknotes on the Auspicious Occasions of Her Majesty the Queen's 80th Birthday Anniversary 12 August 2012 and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary" (PDF). Bank of Thailand. 3 July 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 September 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  20. ^ Thailand new 100-baht commemorative note confirmed Archived 2015-04-10 at the Wayback Machine. Banknote News. April 3, 2015. Retrieved on 2015-04-09.
  21. ^ Thailand new 70-baht commemorative note reported for 09.06.2016 introduction Archived 2018-10-25 at the Wayback Machine BanknoteNews.com. May 30, 2016. Retrieved on 2016-05-30.
  22. ^ The Bank of Thailand to Launch Commemorative Banknote in the Seventieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne 9th June 2016 Archived 2016-12-20 at the Wayback Machine Bank of Thailand. Retrieved on 2016-05-30.
  23. ^ "Banknote to commemorate King's 70-year reign". Bangkok Post. 2016-05-30. Archived from the original on 2022-04-22. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  24. ^ "The Bank of Thailand to Launch Commemorative Banknote in the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 12th August 2016" (PDF). The Bank of Thailand. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
  25. ^ Thailand new 500-baht commemorative note (B187) reported Archived 2018-10-25 at the Wayback Machine BanknoteNews.com. August 1, 2016. Retrieved on 2016-08-01.

See also

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