Constitution of Thailand on Banknotes: History & Legacy

The Constitution of Thailand has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's political and legal landscape, particularly following the Siamese Revolution of 1932, which transformed the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. This profound shift in governance is reflected not only in the legal reforms that followed but also in the country's currency. Thai banknotes have long been a canvas for the nation's symbols of sovereignty, and the Constitution, often depicted on a tray with a pedestal, has been prominently featured in various series of notes. This article delves into the rich history of how the Constitution of Thailand has been represented on banknotes, exploring its evolution from the late 1930s to the significant changes in watermark design in the mid-1950s, and its enduring legacy in Thai numismatic culture.

Siamese Revolution of 1932

The Siamese Revolution of 1932 marked a pivotal moment in Thai history, transforming the nation from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. This revolution was orchestrated by a group known as the Khana Ratsadon, or People’s Party, who sought to modernize Siam (as Thailand was then known) and bring it in line with contemporary governance practices. Before this revolution, the King of Siam held absolute power, with no formal constitution limiting his authority. The success of the revolution led to the end of absolute monarchy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy on 24 June 1932 (Buddhist Era 2475).

The revolution was driven by multiple factors, including the desire for political reform, economic modernization, and social equality. The Khana Ratsadon believed that a constitution was essential for ensuring fairness and justice in governance. The movement was also inspired by the global wave of democratization and the success of constitutional monarchies in the West. The Siamese Revolution of 1932 thus set the stage for a new era in Thai history, characterized by the rule of law and a system of government in which the King’s powers were constitutionally defined and limited.

10 December 1932 Constitution

In the immediate aftermath of the 1932 revolution, swift steps were taken to grant the Siamese people their first constitution. This significant document was signed on 27 June 1932, marking a monumental shift in Siam's governance. The constitution boldly declared that "the highest power in the land belongs to all people," symbolizing the dawn of a new era where sovereignty was to be shared among the populace. However, this first constitution was short-lived, as just a few months later, following intense negotiations between the monarchy and the Khana Ratsadon, on 10 December 1932, a second constitution was enacted.

The importance of 10 December 1932 cannot be overstated. It is a date that resonates deeply in Thailand's history, symbolizing the formal establishment of constitutional governance in the country. The signing of the second constitution on this day is commemorated annually as Constitution Day, a national holiday. The constitutions, even though have certain differences, signaled the official transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. Over the years, the constitution has been amended and replaced several times, reflecting the ongoing struggle between democratic and authoritarian forces in Thai politics.

Constitution on A Tray with A Pedestal

The Tray with a Pedestal or "Phan" is an important element in Thai culture, often used in religious and state ceremonies to present offerings or important items to figures of authority or deities. It may also be regarded as a traditional Thai symbol of respect and honor.

A pivotal moment in Thai history is symbolized by the image of the Constitution placed on a tray with a pedestal. This occurred on 10 December 1932, when King Prajadhipok, seated on the throne in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, formally granted the Constitution of the Kingdom of Siam. The Hall, itself a powerful symbol of political transformation, has also played a prominent role in Thai banknote design, as detailed in our article on Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall: Thai Banknotes & History. The ceremony, which marked the official beginning of constitutional governance in the country, featured the Constitution presented on a beautifully decorated tray with a pedestal—an expression of its profound national importance and reverence.

This powerful image was later immortalized at the Democracy Monument in the heart of Bangkok. Opened on 24 June 1940, the monument features four wings encircling a central structure that displays the Constitution on a tray with a pedestal. The same imagery made its first appearance as a watermark on Government of Siam banknotes issued in 1938 and continued to be featured on various Thai banknotes in the decades that followed.

Watermark

The use of the image of the Constitution of Thailand on A Tray with A Pedestal began in 1938 on Series 4 banknotes with the title "Government of Siam" printed by Thomas De La Rue in the United Kingdom. The use of the image of the Constitution on all denominations replaced the image of the Airavata or Airaphot (three-headed elephant) which was used on Series 3 banknotes also printed by Thomas De La Rue. The inclusion of this watermark was a subtle but powerful reminder of the significance of the constitution in the nation’s identity and also the new legal and political order established after the 1932 revolution.

The Series 4 banknotes with the title "Government of Thailand" printed by Thomas De La Rue first introduced in 1940 and also the Series 4 banknotes printed by the Royal Thai Survey Department introduced in 1942 continued to use the constitution on a tray with a pedestal as a watermark. The 1000 Baht banknote introduced in 1943, classified as a Special Series Issue, and the unissued 1 Dollar Note which Thailand prepared for use in the four Malay states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu in 1943 and the overprinted 50 Baht banknote also uses the same watermark image.

Likewise, in Series 5, which was printed by the Japanese Ministry during World War II, the constitution watermark continued to be used, despite the challenging circumstances of the time. The series reflected Thailand's complex political situation during the war, but the presence of the constitution watermark underscored the commitment to showcase it as the nation's identity. Series 6, printed by the Royal Thai Survey Department and the Naval Hydrographic Department, also featured the constitution watermark, maintaining the tradition of honoring the constitutional principles that had been established in 1932.

The constitution watermark was also used in Series 7, which saw various printers in Thailand produce banknotes. This series, introduced in 1945, continued the tradition of featuring the Constitution as a watermark. The use of the Constitution as a watermark reappeared in the Series 9 banknotes, introduced in 1948, for denominations of 1 Baht, 5 Baht, 10 Baht, 20 Baht, and 100 Baht. The Series 9 banknotes encompass various sub-types, with a significant change occurring in 1957 when the watermark was altered, marking the end of the Constitution's use as a watermark nearly 20 years after its initial introduction.

Image on Watermark Area

The image appearing on the watermark area on certain Thai banknotes is another fascinating aspect of the use of the constitution in the country’s currency. The 1 Baht Special Series banknote introduced in 1942 has an embossed image of the constitution on a tray with a pedestal in the watermark area instead of using it as a watermark.

In addition to the above, certain varieties of Series 4 banknotes printed by the Royal Thai Survey Department, Series 6 banknotes printed by the Royal Thai Survey Department and the Naval Hydrographic Department, and Series 7 banknotes printed by various printers in Thailand overprinted the watermark area with an image of the constitution on a tray with a pedestal. This is an interesting aspect as even though the watermark was not used the constitution continued to be used as a key design element on the nation's currency.

Reverse Design

As can be seen from the heading "Watermark" from Series 4 to Series 9, the only Series not to use an image of the constitution on a tray with a pedestal is Series 8. However, this post-World War II series which was printed by Tudor Press of Boston, Massachusetts, and cut, numbered, and packed by the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing depicted the Constitution in a new manner.

The reverse design of the Series 8 banknotes is another example of how the constitution has been prominently featured in Thailand's currency. Unlike many of the earlier series which depicted the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, this series chose to showcase the constitution in the design of the banknote. The reverse design of the Series 8 banknotes, with its emphasis on the constitution, served as a powerful symbol in shaping Thailand's national identity and its political and legal institutions.

Obverse Design

The obverse design of the Series 9 50 Satang banknote is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of the constitution as a central element. Introduced in 1948, this banknote which does not have a watermark and is widely considered as part of Series 9 banknotes, reflected the Thai government's desire to emphasize the importance of the constitution in the nation's identity.

During this period, Thailand was undergoing significant political changes, and the inclusion of the constitution in the design of its currency was a way to remind citizens of the legal and political framework that underpinned the nation. This design choice was significant because it placed the constitution at the forefront of the banknote's imagery, symbolizing its central role in the country's governance.

Change in Watermark

In 1957, likely after the coup d'etat on 16 September 1957 by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, a significant change occurred in the watermark design of Thai banknotes when the constitution watermark was replaced by the portrait of King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej). The watermark area was also enlarged and the watermark area border on the back was changed to a chain. The decision to replace the constitution with the portrait of King Rama IX was a significant one marking a shift in the symbolism of the nation's currency.

The change in the watermark design was also accompanied by an alteration in the signing process by the Governors of the Bank of Thailand. Chote Kunakasem appears to be the only Governor who placed his signature on top of the Governor's title and directly on the King's portrait. Other Governors of the Bank of Thailand chose to refrain from signing directly on the King’s portrait, instead placing their signatures to the left of their title rather than directly on it.

Since the change in 1957, the constitution has not appeared as a watermark on Thai banknotes, except for a commemorative note issued in 2007. This commemorative note was designed to celebrate the 80th birthday of King Rama IX and used the image of the Series 9 banknote as inspiration, including the constitution watermark that had appeared on earlier notes of that series.

Conclusion

The constitution of Thailand has played a significant role as a symbol of the country's currency. From its initial use as a watermark on early banknotes, the constitution has been a central symbol of the nation from the Siamese Revolution of 1932 to the mid-1950s. Over time, the prominence of the constitution in Thai currency has diminished. The story of the constitution's depiction on Thai banknotes is a reflection of the country's evolving political landscape and the enduring importance of its foundational legal document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the significance of the 1932 Siamese Revolution for the Constitution of Thailand?

A: The Siamese Revolution of 1932 was pivotal as it transformed Siam (Thailand) from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. It led to the swift enactment of the country's first constitution, formally limiting the King's authority and initiating a new era of governance based on the rule of law.

Q: When was the Constitution of Thailand first formally enacted, and how is it commemorated?

A: While an initial constitution was signed on 27 June 1932, the second Constitution of Siam was enacted on 10 December 1932. This date is deeply significant and is commemorated annually as Constitution Day, a national holiday in Thailand.

Q: How was the image of the Constitution on a Tray with a Pedestal (Phan) first featured on Thai banknotes?

A: The powerful image of the Constitution on a Tray with a Pedestal first appeared as a watermark on the Government of Siam Series 4 banknotes, introduced in 1938 and printed by Thomas De La Rue. This subtly, yet powerfully, symbolized the nation's new constitutional order post-1932.

Q: On which parts of Thai banknotes (beyond watermarks) has the Constitution been depicted?

A: Besides watermarks, the Constitution has been depicted on the reverse design of Series 8 banknotes, prominently showcasing it as a national symbol. It also appeared on the obverse design of the Series 9 50 Satang banknote (1948) as a central element, reinforcing its importance.

Q: When did the Constitution stop appearing as a watermark on Thai banknotes?

A: The Constitution watermark was notably replaced in 1957 by the portrait of King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej). This change, likely occurring after the 1957 coup d'état, marked a significant shift in the symbolism of the nation's currency, with the King's image taking precedence in the watermark.