A Guide to Banknotes of Thailand and Thai Baht

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Close-up of gold bars on Thai baht banknotes, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of gold bars on Thai baht banknotes, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

The Thai baht is the official currency of Thailand, and it's widely accepted across the country.

You can exchange your money for Thai baht at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels and tourist information centers.

The Thai baht is divided into 100 satang, but don't worry too much about the satang, as it's rarely used in everyday transactions.

Thai banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht.

Here's an interesting read: Thailand Currency Exchange Bangkok

History of Thai Banknotes

Thai banknotes have a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The first banknotes were issued by the Bangkok Bank in 1902.

The first banknotes were printed in London and featured King Chulalongkorn's portrait. They were denominated in baht, with values ranging from 1 to 100.

The 1920s saw the introduction of new banknote designs, featuring portraits of King Vajiravudh. These notes were also printed in London and featured a more modern design.

Thai banknotes have undergone several redesigns over the years, with the latest series introduced in 2018. The new series features portraits of King Rama X and Queen Suthida.

See what others are reading: New Thailand Currency

Thai Baht Currency

Detailed image of a 20 Thai Baht banknote highlighting traditional Thai design and currency features.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed image of a 20 Thai Baht banknote highlighting traditional Thai design and currency features.

The Thai Baht currency is the official currency of Thailand, and it's a must-know for anyone traveling to this beautiful country.

The Thai Baht is subdivided into 100 satang.

You can find Thai Baht banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht.

Overview of Thai Baht

Thai Baht is the official currency of Thailand, and it's essential to understand its different denominations to navigate everyday transactions smoothly.

Thai Baht notes come in various colors, each representing a specific value: green for 20 baht, blue for 50 baht, red for 100 baht, purple for 500 baht, and grey for 1,000 baht.

Using the largest Thai Baht notes, such as the purple 500 baht and grey 1,000 baht notes, can be convenient for making larger purchases at supermarkets and restaurants.

However, getting change from these large notes can be tricky when buying small items, like snacks, on the street.

Here's a quick reference for the different Thai Baht note values:

  • Green note = 20 baht
  • Blue note = 50 baht
  • Red note = 100 baht
  • Purple note = 500 baht
  • Grey note = 1,000 baht

Currency Denominations

Detailed close-up image of a Thai 20 baht banknote featuring an engraved portrait.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed close-up image of a Thai 20 baht banknote featuring an engraved portrait.

The Thai Baht currency has a variety of denominations to make transactions smooth.

You can find Thai Baht banknotes in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht denominations.

Each denomination has its own distinct design and security features to prevent counterfeiting.

The 10 baht note features a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The 20 baht note features a portrait of Queen Sirikit.

The 50 baht note features a portrait of King Chulalongkorn.

The 100 baht note features a portrait of King Mongkut.

The 500 baht note features a portrait of King Narai.

The 1,000 baht note features a portrait of King Rama V.

Thai Baht coins come in 25 and 50 satang, as well as 1, 5, and 10 baht denominations.

The 1 baht coin is the most commonly used denomination.

Thai Baht coins are made of a combination of metals, including copper, zinc, and nickel.

Take a look at this: 50 Pound Banknote

Thai Baht Notes

Thai Baht Notes are a vital part of Thailand's currency system. They come in various denominations, each with its unique design and features.

Banknote Lot
Credit: pexels.com, Banknote Lot

The Thai Baht notes present different values, as follows:

  • Green note = 20 baht
  • Blue note = 50 baht
  • Red note = 100 baht
  • Purple note = 500 baht
  • Grey note = 1,000 baht

It's worth noting that using the largest Thai Baht notes for paying at supermarkets and larger shops is a good idea, as getting change from them can be complicated when making small purchases.

Design and Security Features

Thai Baht Notes are known for their bright and unusual design, which is heavily influenced by national motives. The design is a reflection of the Thai culture's deep respect for their monarch.

A portrait of the ruling monarch is a must-have element on any Thai baht banknote. This is a nod to the Thai people's reverence for their king, who is often regarded as a divine being.

Commemorative banknotes are often released to honor significant events in the royal family's history. These special banknotes are a way for the Thai people to pay tribute to their monarch.

Not all commemorative banknotes are meant for everyday use. In fact, many are not even legal tender and are released solely as a tribute to the event being celebrated.

Here's an interesting read: Commemorative Banknote

A diverse collection of global coins and banknotes displayed in a vintage setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A diverse collection of global coins and banknotes displayed in a vintage setting.

The quality of Thai banknotes is constantly improving, with features like raised markings for the visually impaired. This attention to detail is a testament to the country's commitment to making its currency accessible to all.

The surface of Thai banknotes is rough due to the unique printing technology used. This special technique involves spraying paint in a way that creates a textured finish.

Commemorative Notes

Commemorative notes have been a unique way for Thailand to celebrate significant events and honor its royal family. The Bank of Thailand has issued commemorative notes for various occasions, including the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne.

One notable example is the 500 baht note, which has been issued multiple times for different anniversaries. In 1996, a polymer note was released to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th anniversary of accession to the throne. A different emblem was used on this note compared to other commemorative 500 baht notes.

Young man with glasses smiling on a colorful Thailand street, showcasing urban lifestyle.
Credit: pexels.com, Young man with glasses smiling on a colorful Thailand street, showcasing urban lifestyle.

Commemorative notes often feature special emblems or text to highlight the occasion. For instance, the 1000 baht note issued in 1992 featured a commemorative text to mark Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday. Similarly, the 500 baht note released in 2000 had a commemorative text to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the royal wedding of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

Some commemorative notes are issued to honor the birthdays of members of the royal family. The 100 baht note, for example, was released in 2010 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th anniversary of coronation day and the 60th anniversary of the wedding of the King and Queen Sirikit.

Thai Money

Thai Baht notes present different values, as following:

  • Green note = 20 baht
  • Blue note = 50 baht
  • Red note = 100 baht
  • Purple note = 500 baht
  • Grey note = 1,000 baht

You'll notice that the largest Thai Baht notes, 500 and 1000 baht, can be complicated to get change from on the street for small purchases. It's best to use these notes for paying at supermarkets and other larger shops and restaurants, and leave some smaller notes for your accidental purchases on the street.

Thai Baht banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht. Each bill has a picture of His Majesty the King (King Rama IX) on the front, and the former kings on the back.

New Developments

Top view of scattered ten taka Bangladeshi banknotes illustrating currency abundance.
Credit: pexels.com, Top view of scattered ten taka Bangladeshi banknotes illustrating currency abundance.

The first series of banknotes featuring King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will debut on Chakri Memorial Day, April 6.

Three denominations - 20, 50, and 100 baht - will be available on April 6, while the 500- and 1,000-baht notes will be launched on July 28.

The new banknotes will retain most security features from the previous series, including a security thread on the front side of each note.

A new moving effect will be incorporated into the 100-baht note security thread.

The size and color of the notes will remain the same as those currently in circulation to ensure a smooth changeover.

The first coins minted under His Majesty's reign are expected to be launched next month, featuring nine denominations: 10 baht, 5 baht, 2 baht, 1 baht, 50 satang, 25 satang, 10 satang, 5 satang, and 1 satang.

Those valued at less than 25 satang will be used for bank account settlements.

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Florence Ratke

Assigning Editor

Florence Ratke is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a strong background in research and analysis, she has honed her skills in identifying and assigning compelling articles that captivate readers. Florence's expertise spans a range of topics, including personal finance and investing, where she has developed a particular interest in the world of investment certificates.

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