Understanding Banknotes of the Thai Baht

Author

Reads 2K

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 is the official currency of Thailand, and banknotes play a significant role in the country's economy.

The Bank of Thailand, the country's central bank, is responsible for issuing and regulating banknotes. The banknotes are printed by the Security Printing Department of the Bank of Thailand.

Thai banknotes come in various denominations, ranging from 10 to 1,000 baht. The 10 baht banknote is the smallest denomination, while the 1,000 baht banknote is the largest.

The banknotes feature images of notable Thais, such as King Rama V and Queen Sirikit.

Series

The 15th series of Thai banknotes are the oldest circulating banknotes in Thailand, issued from 2003 to 2005. They can still be seen and used today.

The 15th series banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht. Each denomination has its own unique dimensions, main color, and description.

Here's a breakdown of the 15th series banknotes:

The 16th series of Thai banknotes were introduced later, with the first denomination issued in 2012.

15th Series

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 15th series of banknotes in Thailand is an interesting topic. These banknotes are the oldest circulating ones in the country.

They were issued between 2001 and 2005, which is quite a span of time. The banknotes can still be used in common manners, showing their durability.

The 15th series banknotes come in different denominations, each with its own unique features. Here's a breakdown of the different denominations:

Each denomination has its own unique design and features, showcasing the country's rich history and culture. The designs are meant to be visually appealing and easy to recognize.

16th Series

The 16th series of banknotes in Thailand is a fascinating topic. The 16th series banknotes are still in circulation and can be seen and used in everyday life.

The 20 baht banknote, for example, features King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the Royal House of Chakri gown on the obverse side. On the reverse side, it depicts King Ram Khamhaeng on the Manangkhasila Asana Throne monument, the invention of the Thai script, and the Ramkhamhaeng stele.

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 dimensions of the 20 baht banknote are 138 × 72 mm, and it's predominantly green in color. The 20 baht banknote was issued on 1 April 2013.

Here's a summary of the 16th series banknotes:

These banknotes showcase the rich history and culture of Thailand, with each denomination featuring a unique design and theme.

Denominations

The Thai baht has several denominations in circulation, including the 1 baht, 5 baht, 10 baht, 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht, and 1000 baht notes.

The 1 baht note is the smallest denomination and is rarely used in everyday transactions.

50

The 50 Baht denomination is a notable one in Thai currency. It features portraits of two important monarchs: His Majesty King Nang Klao (King Rama III) and His Majesty King Mongkut (King Rama IV).

This denomination is a great way to learn about Thai history, as it highlights the significance of these two kings. They played a crucial role in shaping the country's past and present.

100

Credit: youtube.com, Banknote Collection: Denomination #100

The 100 Baht denomination is a fascinating note that features the portraits of two important Thai monarchs: His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) and His Majesty King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI).

Banknotes and Coins

Banknotes in Thailand come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht. Each denomination has a unique color and design.

The 1,000-Baht note is printed with mainly brown ink on off-white stock and features King Bhumipol (Rama IX) and Pasak Chonlasit dam on the back.

The 500-Baht note is purple and features King Nangklao (King Rama III) and the Loha Prasat in Bangkok on the back. The 100-Baht note is red, and on the back, it's the picture of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V).

The 50-Baht note is all in blue, featuring King Naresuan and Phra Chedi Chaimongkol on the back. The 20-Baht note is printed in green.

Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht, and 25 and 50 Satang. Some coins have two versions and can cause confusion, like the two-Baht coin which comes in both gold and silver colors depending on the year they were minted.

Banknotes on White Surface
Credit: pexels.com, Banknotes on White Surface

Here's a quick reference guide to the colors and features of Thai banknotes:

Commemorative Notes

Commemorative notes are a special way for the Bank of Thailand to honor important events and people in Thai history. These notes are usually printed in limited quantities and feature unique designs and emblems.

The first commemorative note was issued in 1969 to mark the inauguration of the note printing works at the Bank of Thailand. This note added a commemorative text to the regular 5 baht notes.

In 1987, a 60 baht note was issued to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday. This was a significant event in Thai history, and the note featured a special commemorative text.

Commemorative notes have been issued for various royal birthdays and anniversaries, including Princess mother Srinagarindra's 90th birthday in 1990, Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday in 1992, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th anniversary of accession to the throne in 1996.

Credit: youtube.com, Thailand 500 Baht Special edition commemorative note with special folder

Here is a list of some of the commemorative notes issued:

  • 5 baht (1969): Date of the inauguration of the note printing works, Bank of Thailand
  • 10 baht (1969): Date of the inauguration of the note printing works, Bank of Thailand
  • 60 baht (1987): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday
  • 50 baht (1990): Princess mother Srinagarindra's 90th birthday
  • 500 baht (1990): Princess mother Srinagarindra's 90th birthday
  • 1000 baht (1992): Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday
  • 10 baht (1996): 120th anniversary of the ministry of finance
  • 50 baht (1996): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th anniversary of accession to the throne
  • 500 baht (1996): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th anniversary of accession to the throne
  • 1000 baht (1999): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 72nd birthday
  • 50 baht (2000): 50th anniversary of royal wedding of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit
  • 100 baht (2002): The centenary of the issuance of Thai banknotes
  • 100 baht (2004): Queen Sirikit's 72nd birthday
  • 60 baht (2006): 60th Anniversary Celebrations of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the throne
  • 16 baht (2007): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday
  • 100 baht (2010): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th anniversary of coronation day and the 60th anniversary of the wedding of the King and Queen Sirikit
  • 100 baht (2011): King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 84th birthday
  • 80 baht (2012): Queen Sirikit's 80th birthday
  • 100 baht (2012): Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 5th Cycle (60th) birthday
  • 100 baht (2015): Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 5th Cycle (60th) birthday
  • 70 baht (2016): 70th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne
  • 500 baht (2016): Queen Sirikit's 7th cycle (84th) birthday
  • 20 to 1,000 baht (2017): In remembrance of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
  • 100 baht (2020): The 1st anniversary of the Royal Coronation Ceremony of Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
  • 1,000 baht (2020): The 1st anniversary of the Royal Coronation Ceremony of Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
  • 100 baht (2024): King Vajiralongkorn 6th cycle (72th) birthday

History and Information

The Thai baht has a rich and fascinating history, with its banknotes reflecting the country's complex past. The first Thai banknotes were introduced in 1892, featuring denominations such as 1, 5, 10, 40, 80, 100, 400, and 800 ticals.

In the early 20th century, the Thai government introduced new banknotes with denominations in bath, replacing the tical system. The first bath-denominated banknotes were issued in 1925, featuring denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath.

During the Japanese occupation of Thailand from 1942 to 1944, the government issued banknotes with denominations of 1, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath. These banknotes were often used as a means of propaganda, featuring images of Japanese leaders and symbols of the occupation.

After the war, the Thai government introduced new banknotes with denominations of 50 satang, 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath. These banknotes were designed to promote the Thai economy and feature images of the country's rich cultural heritage.

Credit: youtube.com, Jack & Bills Ep2: THAI BAHT ฿!! DETAILS/FEATURES/FUN FACTS about the Thai Baht!

Here's a list of some of the key events in the history of Thai banknotes:

  • 1892: First Thai banknotes introduced, featuring denominations in ticals.
  • 1925: First bath-denominated banknotes introduced, featuring denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath.
  • 1942-1944: Japanese occupation of Thailand, during which banknotes with denominations of 1, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath were issued.
  • 1946: Post-war banknotes introduced, featuring denominations of 50 satang, 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath.
  • 1955: New banknotes introduced, featuring denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 bath.
  • 1968: Commemorative banknote introduced, featuring a denomination of 100 bath.
  • 1985: New banknotes introduced, featuring denominations of 50, 500, and 1,000 bath.

These events highlight the complex and often tumultuous history of the Thai baht, with its banknotes reflecting the country's struggle for independence and economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Thai baht notes are still valid?

Thai baht notes currently in circulation include denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 baht. Valid notes are from the 15th, 16th, and 17th series.

Carole Veum

Junior Writer

Carole Veum is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial journalism. Her work has appeared in several notable publications, covering a range of topics including banking and mergers and acquisitions. Veum's articles on the Banks of Kenya provide a comprehensive understanding of the local financial landscape, while her pieces on 2013 Mergers and Acquisitions offer insightful analysis of significant corporate transactions.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.