Thailand King Rama X 72nd Birthday 100 Baht Polymer Note

Thailand has a rich tradition of issuing commemorative banknotes to mark significant events and milestones in its history. One such occasion is the sixth cycle birthday or the 72nd birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X. This issuance marks the second instance of Thailand releasing a polymer banknote for a commemorative issue, the first being the celebration of the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign, which was discussed in a previous article.

The commemorative polymer note to honor King Rama X's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024 was issued to the general public on 23 July 2024 at its face value of 100 Baht. This article delves into the significance, design, and features of this commemorative banknote.

Background on King Rama X

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the 10th monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty, was born on 28 July 1952 at 17:45, in the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. He is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX, and Queen Sirikit. On 28 December 1972, at the age of 20, in the Ananta Samakhon Throne Hall, he was officially proclaimed as Crown Prince, making him the third crown prince of the Chakri dynasty solidifying his status as the heir apparent.

King Rama X, ascended to the throne of Thailand on 1 December 2016, fifty days after the passing away of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) ending a seven-decade reign. The government officially declared that his reign officially started from the date of his father's death, 13 October 2016. The King's coronation took place from 4 May to 6 May 2019.

Significance of the 72nd Birthday

In Thai culture, the 72nd birthday holds special significance due to its alignment with the completion of six cycles of the twelve-year zodiac cycle. In Thai tradition, each twelve-year cycle is associated with an animal in the zodiac, such as the rat, ox, tiger, and so on. It signifies not only longevity but also the attainment of wisdom and a harmonious alignment with the cycles of life.

Previously, Thailand has also issued commemorative paper money to celebrate the sixth cycle birthday of King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit. The banknote to commemorate the 72nd birthday of King Rama IX was issued in 1999 at its face value of 1,000 Baht without any premium. The banknote to commemorate the 72nd birthday of Queen Sirikit with a face value of 100 Baht was issued as a numismatic product with a premium value of 200 Baht.

Ceremonial Emblem

For significant royal events, there are often special ceremonial emblems, and King Rama X's 6th cycle birth anniversary has its unique emblem as well. The Prime Minister's Office has unveiled this emblem for the celebrations of His Majesty's 72nd birthday on 28 July 2024.

Central Design: The emblem's center features King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Royal Cypher "Vor. Por. Ror." in Thai characters The letter "Vor" is in ivory for Monday, the King’s birthday; "Por" in yellow for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's (King Rama X's father) birthday; and "Ror" in blue for Queen Sirikit’s (King Rama X's mother) birthday. The Cypher is set in a blue octagonal frame surrounded by 72 diamonds, symbolizing the King's age.

Top Symbols: Above the Cypher is the Great Crown of Victory, symbolizing supreme kingship, and the Great Umbrella of State, representing the King’s authority extending nationwide.

Thai Numerals and Mythical Creatures: Below the crown, the Thai numeral "10" denotes King Rama X of the Chakri Dynasty. To the left of the silk ribbon, a pinkish-purple Kojasi (a mythical creature with an elephant head and lion body) holding a Seven-tiered Umbrella represents the armed forces. On the right, a white lion, Ratchasi, holding another Seven-tiered Umbrella, symbolizes the civil service. The green King of Nagas below the Cypher symbolizes the Year of the Dragon.

Numerals for Age: Beneath the emblem, the Thai numeral "72" represents the King’s age.

​Designs and Features

The commemorative banknote is in vertical format to portray a full-length portrait of the King standing and also to distinguish the banknote from regular issue circulating banknotes. Further, the banknote is printed on a polymer substrate with state-of-the-art technology.

According to Section 14 Paragraph 2 of the Current Act B.E. 2501 (1958), the Minister of Finance shall notify the type, denomination, color, size, and other characteristics of the note to be issued in the Government Gazette. Key details as mentioned in the Notification of the Minister of Finance dated 12 June 2024, published in the Government Gazette on 19 June 2024, of the 100 Baht commemorative banknote are as follows:

Banknote size: width 89 mm., length 163 mm.

Obverse Design

Main illustration: Portrait of King Rama X in royal gown. and wearing the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao breast chain

Special characteristics:
- printed on polymer substrate
- royal portrait, rays behind the royal portrait, and the Garuda emblem combined with the Thai motif pattern printed with dark brown raised lines with the elements including the yellow and red floral patterns on the left and right sides of the royal portrait Printed over a golden yellow pattern
- the ceremonial emblem of the celebration of the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, 28 July 2024, the Thai motif pattern supporting the emblem with various letters printed in dark brown and the value indicating the denomination "100" in Roman and Thai numerals printed in dark brown and red
- the denomination "100" is printed with four colored raised lines
- a clear window in the shape of the Garuda emblem is printed with special gold ink with a white Garuda image inside the clear window
- an octagonal window that can be seen from both sides, with embossed bullet wood flower pattern
- Crowned royal "Vor.Por.Ror." monogram watermark that can be seen when the banknote is held up
- a clear window at the bottom right with a honeycomb flower pattern printed with special ink, and when flipping the banknote up and down or left and right, circles moving in all directions and alternating from gold to green can be seen
- yellow and pink stripes printed diagonally on the bottom left and right edges of the banknote containing the text "Long Live the King" in Thai script that can be seen using a magnifying glass
- royal portrait, Thai motif pattern, and various elements including designs, flora patterns, and honeycomb flowers. including yellow stripes that have the text “Long Live the King” in Thai script that will glow yellow under ultraviolet rays
- the denomination "100" in Roman and Thai numerals printed in light red that glows red under ultraviolet rays
- Thai letters and numbers will change to glowing orange under ultraviolet rays

Reverse Design

Main illustration: Portrait of the King in royal gown with the Ancient and Auspicious order of the nine gems, the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao breast chain and a sword

Special characteristics:
- royal portrait and the text "Memorial in Honor of His Majesty the King on the Occasion of His 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, 28 July 2024" in Thai is printed in dark brown
- Denomination "100" is printed in red
- Denomination "100" in Thai numeral is printed in dark red with the Naga image printed in red
- golden honeycomb flower on the bottom left printed with special ink where a circulate shape can be seen moving in all directions. and changes from gold to green when the note is flipped up and down or left and right
- yellow and pink stripes printed diagonally on the bottom left and right edges of the banknote containing the text "Long Live the King" in Thai script that can be seen using a magnifying glass
- Thai pattern, Ratchaphruek flower or Cassia fistula flowers (the national flower of Thailand), pattern and yellow stripes which has the text “Long Live the King” in Thai script that will glow yellow under ultraviolet rays

Signature

There is only one signature combination for this banknote.

Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's current prime minister, served as the Minister of Finance from 1 September 2023 to 27 April 2024. Although he was no longer the Minister of Finance at the time of the announcement and issuance of the new banknote, his signature appears on it because the notes needed to be prepared in advance.

Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput is the Governor of Thailand.

Quantity Issued

The 100 Baht commemorative banknote is to be issued in the quantity of 10 million notes with the prefix 9ธ (Thor Thong). This Thai letter is commonly used for various Thai commemorative banknotes.

In addition to the banknotes, the Bank of Thailand will also issue 2 million banknote display sleeves or brochures for the commemorative banknote. The sleeve will be sold at 10 Baht each.

The banknote has been cataloged in the Banknote Book with catalog number B201. This issuance of banknote at its face value and also additional sleeve makes this both a banknote, as well as, a numismatic product.

Summary of the Polymer Note

Denomination: 100 Baht
Issuer: Government of Thailand
Printer: Note Printing Works Thailand
Color: Yellow, brown, and pink
Size: 89 x 163 mm (vertical format)
Obverse Design: Ceremonial emblem, half-length portrait of King Rama X in royal gown with the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao breast chain, Garuda emblem
Main Text Obverse: Thai text meaning "Government of Thailand", "This Banknote is a Legal Tender", "Hundred Baht"
Reverse Design: Garuda emblem, full-length portrait of King Rama X in royal gown with the Ancient and Auspicious order of the nine gems, the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao breast chain, and a sword
Main Text Reverse: Thai text meaning "Memorial in Honor of His Majesty the King on the Occasion of His 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, 28 July 2024"
Material: Polymer
Security Thread: None
Watermark: Crowned royal "Vor.Por.Ror." monogram
Signature: Srettha Thavisin and Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput
Quantity: 10 million notes
Prefix: 9ธ (9 Thor)
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B201

Conclusion

The issuance of the 100 Baht commemorative banknote for King Rama X's 72nd birthday is a significant event in Thailand's rich tradition of celebrating royal milestones through currency. This banknote not only honors King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 6th cycle birthday but also showcases the advanced technology and intricate design elements that highlight Thailand's dedication to producing high-quality commemorative currency. The 100 Baht commemorative note serves as legal tender and a numismatic product. With a limited issuance of 10 million notes and an additional 2 million display sleeves, this commemorative release is poised to become a sought-after piece in the realm of currency collecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 72nd birthday (6th cycle) in Thai culture?

A: In Thai culture, a 72nd birthday is highly significant as it marks the completion of six full 12-year zodiac cycles. This milestone signifies not only longevity but also the attainment of great wisdom and a harmonious alignment with life's cycles.

Q: When was the 100 Baht commemorative banknote for King Rama X's 72nd birthday issued to the public?

A: The 100 Baht commemorative polymer banknote honoring King Rama X's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024, was issued to the general public on 23 July 2024.

Q: What is notable about the physical format and material of this 100 Baht commemorative banknote?

A: This 100 Baht commemorative banknote is notable for its vertical format, designed to portray a full-length portrait of the King and distinguish it from regular circulating notes. It is also printed on a polymer substrate, making it only the second Thai commemorative note issued on this material.

Q: Why does Srettha Thavisin's signature appear on the banknote if he was no longer the Minister of Finance at its issuance?

A: Srettha Thavisin's signature appears on the banknote because the notes needed to be prepared in advance. Although he served as Minister of Finance until 27 April 2024, the process of printing and preparing the commemorative notes occurs over a period, leading to his signature being present despite the later issuance date.