The first bank note was produced during the Reign of King Rama 4 known as “maii” considered to be Thailand’s first paper money. The ‘royal money voucher’ was also issued in the same period. Later in the Reign of King Rama 5, ‘paper money’ was issued by the King’s command to be used temporarily to resolve the problem related to the shortage of small change. With the permission granted to foreign commercial banks to issue promissory notes known as ‘bank ticket’ to accommodate credit payment between banks and customers. In 1890, the Ministry of Treasury produced ‘royal paper money’ but never launched it for use. Twelve years later in 1902, the Ministry of Treasury, by the Royal Permission of the King, produced ‘bank note’ and put it to use for the first time.   

                    The collections of Thai bank notes on display at the Bank of Thailand Museum is barely short of perfection as all types of bank notes, all designs and with all signatures from all eras dress up such impressive collections. Changes through times evident in colors, printing systems and techniques and materials used. There are also collections of oddly named bank notes such as “one-faced bank note”, “ploughing bank note” (having one face containing pictures of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony), “mourning bank note” (originally printed in preparation to be used in the four Malay states having one dollar in value but later changed to 50 Baht by printing black and red inks over the Chinese and Malay characters) and ‘invasion note’ (printed by the British Military in preparation for its anticipation of success in invading Thailand).  

The International Bank Notes Room

 

 

 

v   History and Series of Banknotes

 

v    Series of Banknotes