Thailand Banknotes Featuring Queen Sirikit

Queen Sirikit of Thailand (Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother) served as Queen to King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and is the mother of the present monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). Her portrait has appeared on a number of Thai banknotes issued by the Bank of Thailand beginning in 1992. The inclusion of her image reflected her official position within the Chakri Dynasty and her role in state and national activities during the reign of King Bhumibol.

This article catalogues all Thai banknotes bearing the portrait of Queen Sirikit, arranged by type of issue: Birth Anniversary Commemoratives, Royal Wedding Anniversary Commemoratives, Other Commemorative Issues, and the Regular Issue of Series 14. The notes discussed were issued between 1992 and 2017 and demonstrate the progression of Thai banknote design, printing technology, and the representation of the monarchy in modern numismatics.

Commemorative Issues

The Bank of Thailand has issued several commemorative banknotes featuring Queen Sirikit to mark important occasions. These notes were released in limited quantities, often accompanied by presentation folders or special packaging, and were not intended primarily for general circulation. The following sections summarize the commemorative issues grouped by occasion.

I. Birth Anniversary Banknotes

Four commemorative banknotes were issued by the Bank of Thailand to mark Queen Sirikit’s birthday anniversaries. Three of these—the 60th, 72nd, and 84th Birthday issues—follow the Thai twelve-year zodiac cycle tradition, representing the fifth, sixth, and seventh cycles respectively. The remaining issue commemorates her 80th Birthday, corresponding to a symbolic milestone observed outside the zodiac cycle sequence. Each note reflects a distinct period in her life and portrays her role in national and royal activities.

1. Queen Sirikit’s 60th Birthday (1992)

• Denomination: 1,000 Baht

• Date of Issue: 10 September 1992

• Actual Birthday: 12 August 1992

• Pick Catalog: P96

• Banknote Book Catalog: B166

• Color: Gray, green, and brown

• Size: 166 × 80 mm

• Signature: Panat Simasathien / Vijit Supinit

• Prefix: 9A

• Quantity Issued: 10,000,000 notes

This was the first commemorative banknote dedicated to Queen Sirikit’s personal milestone, marking her 60th birthday—traditionally known in Thai culture as the fifth 12-year cycle. The design was based on the 1,000 Baht note of Series 14, but with distinct commemorative features.

On the back, five people are shown kneeling before King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. To the right, the King and Queen examines a map. The note carries a watermark of Queen Sirikit and special commemorative Thai text in the lower-left reverse corner.

This note holds historical importance as the first Thai banknote explicitly honoring a Queen.

2. Queen Sirikit’s 72nd Birthday (2004)

• Denomination: 100 Baht

• Date of Issue: 4 August 2004

• Actual Birthday: 12 August 2004

• Pick Catalog: P111

• Banknote Book Catalog: BNP111

• Color: Gold and blue

• Size: 162 × 72 mm

• Signature: Somkid Jatusripitak / Pridiyathorn Devakul

• Prefix: 9 ธ (Thai alphabet)

• Quantity Issued: 7,299,999 notes

Issued to mark the sixth 12-year cycle (age 72), this note broke new ground in Thai banknote design—it was Thailand’s first vertical-format banknote. The note’s vertical orientation emphasized elegance and symmetry, reflecting modern printing trends of the early 21st century while maintaining traditional royal motifs.

On the front, King Rama IX appears wearing both a military uniform and the Chakri Dynasty royal robe, while Queen Sirikit is seated beside him wearing a tiara. The reverse is particularly rich in imagery: King Rama IX is shown touching the forehead of the kneeling Queen during the investiture ceremony. Below that, Queen Sirikit is seen cradling Princess Ubol Ratana, and the main vignette showing Queen Sirikit standing in full regalia.

Each note was sold for 200 Baht in a commemorative folder, or in a premium framed edition with silk bag for 390 Baht. The restrained mintage and elegant presentation made it an immediate collectible.

3. Queen Sirikit’s 80th Birthday (2012)

• Denomination: 80 Baht

• Date of Issue: 27 July 2012

• Actual Birthday: 12 August 2012

• Pick Catalog: P125

• Banknote Book Catalog: BNP118

• Color: Blue

• Size: 162 × 80 mm

• Signature: Na-Ranong / Trairatvorakul

• Prefix: 9Q

• Quantity Issued: 2,000,000 notes

The 80th Birthday commemorative note was released in July 2012, continuing the Bank of Thailand’s practice of marking major royal anniversaries with special issues. It was the first Thai banknote to bear the denomination of 80 Baht, chosen to correspond symbolically with Queen Sirikit’s age.

On the front, King Rama IX is depicted conferring the title of Queen upon Sirikit—a historic moment reaffirming her royal status. Additional portraits show the royal couple in ceremonial attire. The reverse presents an affectionate collage: the royal family together, young Queen Sirikit as the main image, and images of her development work in rural Thailand.

Sold in an official hard-paper cover for 120 Baht, the issue combined accessibility with commemorative dignity. Only 2 million notes were printed, making it relatively scarce.

4. Queen Sirikit’s 84th Birthday (2016)

• Denomination: 500 Baht

• Date of Issue: 11 August 2016

• Actual Birthday: 12 August 2016

• Pick Catalog: P129

• Banknote Book Catalog: B187

• Color: Purple

• Size: 156 × 72 mm

• Signature: Tantivorawong / Santiprabhob

• Prefix: 8Q, 9Q

• Quantity Issued: 20,000,000 notes

The 84th Birthday commemorative, marking the seventh cycle (another significant Buddhist and Thai zodiacal milestone), was issued only two months before the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The front design follows the standard Series 16 500 Baht layout featuring Rama IX, while the reverse main image depicts Queen Sirikit wearing the Thai costume, flanked by scenes of the royal family and her inspection of handicraft products.

Issued at face value in a total of 20 million pieces, this note was intended for both circulation and commemorative purposes. It was the final commemorative banknote to feature Queen Sirikit during the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).

II. Royal Wedding Anniversary Banknotes

Two commemorative issues were released to celebrate the wedding anniversaries of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. The first, in 2000, marked the 50th (Golden) Anniversary of their marriage, while the second, in 2010, commemorated the 60th (Diamond) Anniversary. Both issues feature portraits of the royal couple.

1. 50th Wedding Anniversary (Golden Jubilee, 2000)

• Denominations: 50 Baht and 500,000 Baht

• Date of Issue: 28 April 2000

• Actual Anniversary Date: 28 April 2000

• Color: Gold, green, and brown

• Size: 205 × 126 mm

• Signature: Nimmanahaeminda / Sonakul

50 Baht

• Pick Catalog: P105

• Banknote Book Catalog: BNP108

• Prefix: 9R

• Quantity Issued: 999,999 notes

500,000 Baht

• Pick Catalog: P106

• Banknote Book Catalog: BNP109

• Prefix: Royal monogram

• Quantity Issued: 999 notes with King’s monogram “Bhor Por Ror” and 999 with Queen’s monogram “Sor Kor”

Issued to commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, this pair of notes is among the most distinctive commemorative banknotes produced by the Bank of Thailand. Both denominations were printed on high-quality paper using multicolor intaglio techniques with metallic gold accents, reflecting the significance of the royal occasion. The front depicts the King gently touching the Queen’s forehead during their 1950 investiture, accompanied by a central motif showing the royal couple together. The back portrays the King and Queen as young royals with their children, alongside scenes from royal life, including Queen Sirikit’s involvement in the promotion of Thai textiles.

The 50 Baht note was issued in 999,999 pieces, each sold in a presentation folder at 200 Baht. Despite the low denomination, it is regarded as one of Thailand’s most significant commemorative issues due to its limited quantity and design quality. Following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, market prices for this note rose sharply, with values in Thailand reportedly exceeding 4,000 Baht.

The 500,000 Baht note was produced in an extremely limited quantity of 1,998 pieces—999 bearing the King’s monogram “Bhor Por Ror” and 999 bearing the Queen’s monogram “Sor Kor.” Each note carried a face value exceeding USD 15,000 and was sold at 1,000,000 Baht in a crystal frame. It remains the highest-denomination commemorative banknotes ever issued by the Bank of Thailand. Together, the 50 Baht and 500,000 Baht notes represent landmark examples of Thai commemorative banknote design, combining technical excellence with symbolic significance.

2. 60th Wedding Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee, 2010)

• Denomination: 100 Baht

• Date of Issue: 4 May 2010

• Actual Anniversary Date: 28 April 2010

• Pick Catalog: P123

• Banknote Book Catalog: BNP116

• Color: Red and orange

• Size: 150 × 72 mm

• Signature: Chatikavanij / Watanagase

• Prefix: 9R

• Quantity Issued: 10,000,000 notes

Commemorating six decades of marriage, this 100 Baht note featured the same front design as Series 15 but introduced a new reverse showing King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit standing together. The design balance and moderate mintage made it both a popular souvenir and a practical circulating note.

III. Other Commemorative Issues

In addition to birthday and wedding anniversary issues, Queen Sirikit also appeared on other commemorative banknotes produced during the reign of King Bhumibol. These include a special uncut sheet issued in 2007 for the King’s 80th Birthday and a 1,000 Baht note from 2017 released as part of a memorial series following the King Rama IX’s passing. Each note highlights Queen Sirikit’s role alongside the King in representing the monarchy and national development.

1. 16 Baht Uncut Sheet (2007)

• Composition: One uncut sheet of 1-, 5-, and 10-Baht denominations

• Date of Issue: 14 August 2007

• Commemoration: King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday (5 December 2007)

• Pick Catalog: P117

• Banknote Book Catalog: BNP114

• Color: Blue, green, purple, brown, and gold

• Size: 147 × 229 mm

• Signature: Sussangkarn / Watanagase

• Prefix: 9K and 9R

• Quantity Issued: 15,000,000 sheets

A total of 15 million uncut sheets were produced, comprising 14 million pieces sold in standard presentation folders at 100 Baht each and 1 million pieces distributed by the Foundation of Queen Sirikit at 300 Baht each.

This was the first and only uncut sheet banknote issue in Thailand, created to commemorate the 80th Birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2007. The front design of each miniature note is based on the corresponding denominations from the Ninth Series, while the reverse forms a single continuous illustration depicting important aspects of the King’s life and royal activities. Within the reverse composition, Queen Sirikit appears in several vignettes representing significant moments in the royal couple’s life.

2. Special Series Commemorating King Bhumibol Adulyadej (2017)

• Denomination: 1,000 Baht

• Date of Issue: 20 September 2017

• Pick Catalog: P134

• Banknote Book Catalog: B192

• Color: Dark brown, orange and violet

• Size: 162 × 72 mm

• Signature: Tantivorawong / Santiprabhob

Released shortly after the passing of King Bhumibol, this special issue of the 1,000 Baht note formed part of the posthumous commemorative series sometimes designated as Series 16.5. The reverse shows King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit standing together.

While not exclusively a Queen Sirikit issue, her presence on this banknote was profoundly significant. It became the final representation of the couple together on Thai currency.

Regular Issue

Queen Sirikit appeared on a regular-issue Thai banknote only once, on the 1,000 Baht denomination of Series 14 introduced in 1992. This design was the first to depict the Queen on circulating currency.

Series 14 – 1,000 Baht (1992–1996)

• Date of First Issue: 30 June 1992

• Pick Catalog: P92

• Banknote Book Catalog: B165

• Color: Gray, green, and brown

• Size: 166 × 80 mm

• Signature Varieties: Eight known combinations

The Series 14 1,000 Baht note marked the first appearance of Queen Sirikit on a regular circulation note. The design’s reverse features five individuals kneeling before King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, while the right vignette shows King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit, the royal couple, examining a map.

Introduced in June 1992, this note entered circulation just weeks before the Queen’s 60th birthday, an event later commemorated with the dedicated issue of September that year. Despite being a regular-issue note, it holds special significance as the starting point of Queen Sirikit’s numismatic representation and is catalogued by both collectors and historians as a key modern milestone.

Conclusion

Over a span of twenty-five years, the portrait of Queen Sirikit appeared on a range of Thai banknotes issued between 1992 and 2017. Her first appearance was on the 1,000 Baht note of Series 14, followed by several commemorative issues marking her birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and other royal occasions. These notes collectively document the evolution of Thai banknote design and engraving during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Her inclusion on multiple issues reflected her official position within the Chakri Dynasty and her participation in royal activities alongside King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The commemoratives issued between the 1992 Fifth Cycle note and the 2017 memorial series provide a chronological record of key royal events and the Bank of Thailand’s approach to commemorative currency.

Following her passing on 24 October 2025, Queen Sirikit’s representation on Thai banknotes remains an important part of the country’s numismatic history, illustrating the close association between Thailand’s monetary issues and the milestones of the modern Thai monarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Queen Sirikit first appear on a Thai banknote?

Queen Sirikit first appeared on Thai currency in 1992 on the 1,000 Baht note of Series 14. The note’s reverse shows King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit together during a royal development project.

How many commemorative banknotes feature Queen Sirikit?

Between 1992 and 2017, nine distinct commemorative issues featured Queen Sirikit. These include birthday anniversaries, royal wedding anniversaries, special commemoratives, and the 2017 memorial series.

Which was the first Thai banknote issued in vertical format?

The 100 Baht note commemorating Queen Sirikit’s 72nd Birthday in 2004 was Thailand’s first vertically oriented banknote. It features both King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit on the obverse.

What is the significance of the 80 Baht denomination issued in 2012?

The 80 Baht note released in 2012 marked Queen Sirikit’s 80th Birthday and was the first Thai banknote to carry this denomination. It was sold in presentation folders and remains a popular collector’s item.