Queen Sirikit banknotes form a distinct and collectible subset of modern Thai paper money, spanning both regular circulation issues and commemorative releases issued by the Bank of Thailand. Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother — consort of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama 9) and mother of the current reigning monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama 10) — first appeared on Thai currency in 1992 as part of Series 14, marking a significant departure from the single-portrait convention that had defined Thai banknote design for decades.
For variety specialists and type set collectors, these Queen Sirikit banknotes divide into two clear collecting categories. The Series 14 circulating notes introduced her portrait alongside King Rama 9. The commemorative releases — issued on specific royal milestone dates including birthday anniversaries — represent a parallel track of limited-issue collector pieces.
This reference covers all Thai banknotes bearing the portrait of Queen Sirikit, arranged by category with Pick and BNB catalog numbers, variety breakdowns, and issue dates to assist collectors in building and attributing a complete holding.
Table of Contents
Master Reference Matrix: Pick & BNB Numbers
To provide an instant, structured overview of every Queen Sirikit banknote issued from 1992 through 2017, the following reference matrix maps out denominations, dimensions, issuing dates, and official entries across the international Pick and Banknote Book (BNB) registries:
| Milestone | Denomination | Issue Date | Pick Number | Banknote Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 14 Circulation Note | 1,000 Baht | 30 June 1992 | Pick 92 | B165 |
| 5th Cycle 60th Birthday Commemorative | 1,000 Baht | 10 September 1992 | Pick 96 | B166 |
| Golden Jubilee 50th Wedding Anniversary | 50 Baht | 28 April 2000 | Pick 105 | BNP108 |
| Golden Jubilee 50th Wedding Anniversary | 500,000 Baht | 28 April 2000 | Pick 106 | BNP109 |
| 6th Cycle 72nd Birthday Commemorative | 100 Baht | 4 August 2004 | Pick 111 | BNP111 |
| King Bhumibol 80th Birthday Uncut Sheet | 16 Baht (Total) | 14 August 2007 | Pick 117 | BNP114 |
| Diamond Jubilee 60th Wedding Anniversary | 100 Baht | 4 May 2010 | Pick 123 | BNP116 |
| 80th Birthday Celebration Note | 80 Baht | 27 July 2012 | Pick 125 | BNP118 |
| 7th Cycle 84th Birthday Commemorative | 500 Baht | 11 August 2016 | Pick 129 | B187 |
| King Bhumibol Posthumous Memorial Series | 1,000 Baht | 20 September 2017 | Pick 134 | B192 |
Regular Issue: The Foundation of Queen Sirikit Banknotes
Before the introduction of specialized numismatic products, the portrait of Queen Sirikit appeared on a standard circulating currency note. Starting your collection with the standard circulation note provides the necessary historical baseline to appreciate subsequent commemorative releases, anchoring the study of Queen Sirikit banknotes from the very beginning.
Series 14 — 1,000 Baht Circulation Note (1992–1996)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 92 / BNB B165
- Dimensions: 166 × 80 mm
- Primary Colors: Gray, green, and brown
- Introduction Date: 30 June 1992
Graphic Layout:
The Series 14 1,000 Baht banknote holds significant historical importance as the absolute pioneer among Queen Sirikit banknotes. The design’s obverse layout presents a traditional engraving of King Bhumibol Adulyadej dressed in military uniform.
The reverse face showcases a vignette of individuals kneeling before the royal couple, while the right vignette shows King Rama 9 and Queen Sirikit together studying a geographical field map. Background graphics include a view of the Bhumibol Dam (formerly known as the Yanhee Dam) on the Ping River in Tak Province.
Documented Ministerial Signature Varieties:
Because this note was widely printed to satisfy commercial circulation needs over a multi-year period, specialists track its production through eight distinct ministerial signature combinations:
- BNB B165a: Panat Simasathien / Vijit Supinit (Introduced 30 June 1992).
- BNB B165b: Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda / Vijit Supinit
- BNB B165c: Surakiart Sathirathai / Vijit Supinit
- BNB B165d: Bodi Junnanon / Rerngchai Marakanond
- BNB B165e: Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi / Rerngchai Marakanond
- BNB B165f: Amnuay Viravan / Rerngchai Marakanond
- BNB B165g: Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda / Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi
- BNB B165h: Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda / Chatumongol Sonakul
Specialized Specimen Varieties:
To permanently prevent these archival presentation pieces from entering public circulation, the central bank prepared specialized specimen banknotes marked by distinct overprint parameters:
- Variety 1 (BNB B165as1): Archival specimen issue. Features a horizontal red Thai character “ตัวอย่าง” (Specimen) overprint on the obverse face, paired with an all-zero serial number string.
- Variety 2 (BNB B165as2): Archival specimen issue. Features a diagonal red “SPECIMEN” overprint on the obverse face, and an all-zero serial number.
Commemorative Birth Anniversary Issues
The cultural practice of celebrating birthday anniversaries within Thailand places significant spiritual weight on the completion of twelve-year zodiacal blocks, traditionally recognized as a “Cycle.” The Bank of Thailand honored the Queen by releasing limited-edition Queen Sirikit banknotes to mark her fifth, sixth, and seventh cycles, along with a highly symbolic 80th birthday release. These notes were released in limited quantities, often accompanied by presentation folders or special packaging, and were not intended primarily for general circulation.
1. Queen Sirikit’s 5th Cycle 60th Birthday Note (1992)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 96 / BNB B166
- Dimensions: 166 × 80 mm
- Primary Colors: Gray, green, and brown
- Signatures: Panat Simasathien / Vijit Supinit
- Introduction Date: 10 September 1992
- Quantity: 10,000,000 notes under prefix 9A
Graphic Layout:
This Queen Sirikit banknote shares the same base design as the Series 14 circulation issue but introduces two commemorative distinctions.
This note shares the same base design as the Series 14 circulation issue but introduces two commemorative distinctions: the watermark was changed from King Rama 9 to a profile of Queen Sirikit, and commemorative Thai text was added to the lower-left corner of the reverse.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- BNB B166a: Standard issued note with prefix 9A.
- BNB B166as: Specimen issue. Features a horizontal red Thai character “ตัวอย่าง” overprint across the face, paired with an all-zero serial number array
2. Queen Sirikit’s 6th Cycle 72nd Birthday Note (2004)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 111 / BNB BNP111
- Dimensions: 162 × 72 mm; printed in a distinct vertical layout
- Primary Colors: Gold and vibrant blue
- Signatures: Somkid Jatusripitak / Pridiyathorn Devakul
- Introduction Date: 4 August 2004
- Quantity: 7,299,999 notes under prefix 9ธ
Graphic Layout:
To commemorate the Queen’s 72nd birthday (marking the completion of six full zodiac cycles), the Bank of Thailand executed a revolutionary design departure by producing Thailand’s very first vertically oriented banknote.
The vertical obverse face presents King Rama 9 standing clad in military uniform and the ornate robes of the Royal House of Chakri, with Queen Sirikit seated beside him wearing a diamond tiara.
The primary vignette on the reverse depicts standing Queen Sirikit wearing tiara. The banknote also features vignettes of King Rama 9 gently touching the forehead of the kneeling Queen during her formal investiture ceremony, Queen Sirikit cradling her infant daughter, Princess Ubol Ratana, and the Queen inspecting regional craft weaving products.
Each Queen Sirikit banknote was sold for 200 Baht in a commemorative folder, or in a premium framed edition with silk bag for 390 Baht.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- Variety 1 (BNB BNP111a): Standard issued vertical note.
- Variety 2 (BNB BNP111as): Specimen issue. Features a horizontal red “ตัวอย่าง” specimen overprint on the front, paired with an all-zero serial number.
3. Queen Sirikit’s 80th Birthday Note (2012)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 125 / BNB BNP118
- Dimensions: 162 × 80 mm
- Primary Color: Blue
- Signatures: Kittiratt Na-Ranong / Prasarn Trairatvorakul
- Introduction Date: 27 July 2012
- Quantity: 2,000,000 notes under prefix 9Q
Graphic Layout:
Released in July 2012, this Queen Sirikit banknote introduced the 80 Baht denomination — the first in Thai currency history — selected to correspond with the Queen’s age.
The obverse layout displays King Rama 9 and Queen Sirikit in ceremonial attire. The reverse centerpiece presents young Queen Sirikit. Surrounding elements feature the King and Queen Sirikit sitting with their children, and the Queen in a kneeling pose.
The banknote is sold in an official hard-paper cover for 120 Baht.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- Variety 1 (BNB BNP118a): Standard issued note with prefix 9Q.
- Variety 2 (BNB BNP118as): Specimen issue. Features a horizontal red “ตัวอย่าง” stamp overprint across the front, and an all-zero serial track.
4. Queen Sirikit’s 7th Cycle 84th Birthday Note (2016)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 129 / BNB B187
- Dimensions: 156 × 72 mm
- Primary Color: Purple
- Signatures: Apisak Tantivorawong / Veerathai Santiprabhob
- Introduction Date: 11 August 2016
- Quantity: 20,000,000 notes under prefixes 8Q and 9Q
Graphic Layout:
This note commemorates the completion of Queen Sirikit’s seventh 12-year zodiac cycle birthday celebration on 12 August 2016. Released only two months before the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, it holds a poignant position in Thai history as the final commemorative banknote issued during his long reign. The front design follows the standard circulating Series 16 500 Baht banknote template, featuring King Rama 9 wearing the gown of the Royal House of Chakri alongside the Royal Garuda emblem.
The reverse face is entirely redesigned to feature a main image of Queen Sirikit wearing the traditional Thai costume (Boromphiman costume). She is flanked by an intricate layout of cultural vignettes, including the royal family, a live Khon performance, an inspection of handicraft products at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center.
This Queen Sirikit banknote was intended for both general circulation and commemorative purposes.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- Variety 1 (BNB B187a): Standard commemorative issue printed for general circulation under prefixes 8Q and 9Q
- Variety 2 (BNB B187as): Specimen issue. Marked with a horizontal red “ตัวอย่าง” overprint centered on the front face, paired with an all-zero serial designation.
Royal Wedding Anniversary Commemorative Issues
The Bank of Thailand has twice authorized the creation of specialized paper money issues to celebrate the marital milestones of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. These stand as legendary benchmarks among commemorative Queen Sirikit banknotes.
1. The 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Issues (2000)
Released on 28 April 2000 to mark fifty years of marriage, this pair of notes represents the first time the Bank of Thailand issued two simultaneous denominations for a single royal occasion.
The front depicts the King gently touching the Queen’s forehead during their 1950 investiture, accompanied by a central motif showing the couple together. The back portrays the King and Queen as young royals with their children, alongside scenes from royal life, including Queen Sirikit receiving a woman’s blessing and her involvement in the promotion of Thai textiles.
The 50 Baht Golden Jubilee Banknote:
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 105 / BNB BNP108
- Dimensions: 205 × 126 mm (an oversized commemorative format)
- Primary Colors: Gold, brown, and green
- Signatures: Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda / Chatumongol Sonakul
- Quantity: 999,999 notes under prefix 9R
- Collector Context: 50 Baht notes were sold in a presentation folder for 200 Baht each. Despite the low face value, it is highly coveted; following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, market prices rose sharply, with uncirculated pieces in Thailand routinely exceeding 4,000 Baht.
The 500,000 Baht Golden Jubilee Banknote:
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 106 / BNB BNP109
- Dimensions: 205 × 126 mm
- Primary Colors: Gold, brown, and green
- Signatures: Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda / Chatumongol Sonakul
- Quantity: Exactly 1,998 pieces produced.
- Collector Context: This note carried a massive face value exceeding USD $15,000 and was offered to the public at 1,000,000 Baht inside a custom crystal frame. It remains the highest-denomination commemorative banknote ever issued by the Bank of Thailand.
- Monogram Varieties: Production was split evenly into two highly specific prefix varieties:
- Variety A (BNB BNP109a): 999 notes featuring the King’s personal red monogram “Bhor Por Ror” as the serial prefix.
- Variety B (BNB BNP109b): 999 notes featuring the Queen’s personal red monogram “Sor Kor” as the serial prefix.
2. The 60th Diamond Wedding Anniversary Issue (2010)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 123 / BNB BNP116
- Dimensions: 150 × 72 mm
- Primary Colors: Red and orange
- Signatures: Korn Chatikavanij / Tarisa Watanagase
- Introduction Date: 4 May 2010
- Quantity: 10,000,000 notes under prefix 9R
Graphic Layout:
Among the rarer Queen Sirikit banknotes in the wedding anniversary category, this 100 Baht issue combined collector appeal with circulation utility. The front features the same design as the contemporaneous 100 Baht note (Series 15), displaying a portrait of King Rama 9 wearing his military uniform alongside the Royal Garuda emblem and the royal seal.
The reverse face introduces an entirely new commemorative engraving showing King Rama 9 and Queen Sirikit standing together, with the seated King wearing a crown.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- Variety 1 (BNB BNP116a): Standard issued note with prefix 9R
- Variety 2 (BNB BNP116as): Specimen issue. Features a horizontal red “ตัวอย่าง” stamp on the front face, and an all-zero serial number.
Other Commemorative and Memorial Layouts
In addition to dedicated birthday and wedding anniversary issues, Queen Sirikit has also been depicted on non-standard commemorative issues and posthumous memorial sets produced to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej, highlighting her role alongside the King, which expanded the historical narrative captured by Queen Sirikit banknotes.
1. The 16 Baht Uncut Sheet (2007)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 117 / BNB BNP114
- Dimensions: 147 × 229 mm; a single, large uncut composite sheet
- Primary Colors: Multi-color blend of blue, green, purple, brown, and gold.
- Signatures: Chalongphob Sussangkarn / Tarisa Watanagase
- Introduction Date: 14 August 2007
- Quantity: 15,000,000 sheets under prefixes 9K and 9R
Graphic Layout:
Unlike standard Queen Sirikit banknotes, this release stands as the only multi-denomination uncut sheet ever issued by Thailand, commemorating the 80th Birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The sheet combines the 1 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht values into a single vertical strip, reproducing notes from Thailand’s historical Ninth Series banknotes.
The reverse side functions as a single, continuous illustration mapping important scenes from the life of King Rama 9. Queen Sirikit is integrated into several historical vignettes within this mural composition, appearing alongside the King during significant moments in the royal couple’s life.
Out of the 15 million sheets produced, 14 million pieces were sold inside standard presentation folders for 100 Baht each, while 1 million pieces were distributed through the Foundation of Queen Sirikit for 300 Baht each.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- Variety 1 (BNB BNP114a): Standard issued uncut sheet under prefixes 9K and 9R
- Variety 2 (BNB BNP114as): Specimen issue. Features a horizontal red “ตัวอย่าง” overprint centered on the front, and an all-zero serial number.
2. The Posthumous Series 16.5 Memorial 1,000 Baht Note (2017)
- Catalog Classifications: Pick 134 / BNB B192
- Dimensions: 162 × 72 mm
- Primary Colors: Dark brown, orange, and violet-pink.
- Signatures: Apisak Tantivorawong / Veerathai Santiprabhob
- Introduction Date: 20 September 2017
Graphic Layout:
Released shortly after the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, this special issue of the 1,000 Baht note formed part of a comprehensive posthumous tribute series, sometimes designated as Series 16.5. The obverse face replicates the standard Series 16 1,000 Baht design layout, featuring King Rama 9 wearing the formal robes of the Royal House of Chakri alongside the Royal Garuda emblem.
The reverse depicts King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit standing together. Background elements include an illustration of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok and the Rama 8 cable-stayed bridge.
While not exclusively a standalone Queen Sirikit issue, her inclusion on this note carries profound historic weight, representing the final representation of the royal couple together on Thai currency.
Documented Collecting Varieties:
- Variety 1 (BNB B192a): Standard issued memorial note
- Variety 2: Specimen issue. Features a horizontal red “ตัวอย่าง” overprint centered on the front, and an all-zero serial number.
Contemporary Historical Epilogue
Over a production span of twenty-five years, the paper currency issues of the Bank of Thailand provided an accurate visual record of the milestones of the modern Thai monarchy. Following her passing on 24 October 2025, the banknotes featuring Queen Sirikit have taken on permanent historical and memorial significance within global numismatics.
From her regular-issue debut on the Series 14 1,000 Baht note to her final appearance alongside her husband on the 2017 memorial note, these issues stand as an enduring record of her official position. For anyone compiling a collection of Queen Sirikit banknotes, this run of paper currency represents a masterclass in modern engraving and royal history.
