Thailand 5 Baht Series 5 Pick 45b K/21 XF

Description

Thailand 5 Baht Series 5 Pick 45b, BNB B111b
ND (1942), Government of Thailand — Series 5
Signature: Pao Pienlert Boripanyuthakit
Printer: Japanese Ministry of Finance Printing Office
XF — Extra Fine

This note belongs to the first prefix (K/21) of the variety. It carries three serial numbers — Western numerals upper left and right, Thai numerals lower left.

Obverse: Portrait of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) in military uniform; Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram (Marble Temple) in Bangkok; Royal Garuda emblem; airapote (3-headed elephant)
Reverse: Padej Dusakorn Fort and Grand Palace in Bangkok

The note was issued during a turbulent period in Thai financial history. Nai Wanit Pananon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Thailand, was arrested on 7 January 1944 along with four other bank directors for illegal gold bullion transactions, having reportedly assisted the Japanese in gaining control of Thailand’s finances. Pananon later died by suicide in his prison cell.

Further reading: Thailand Series 5 Banknotes: The WWII Japanese Print Series