Thailand New Polymer Banknotes: 50 Baht & 100 Baht
Thailand new 50 Baht & 100 Baht Polymer Banknotes. In addition to 20 Baht polymer note, Bank of Thailand is rolling out notes for Series 17 on 21 November 2025.
9/4/20257 min read
The introduction of polymer banknotes marks a major step in Thailand's ongoing efforts to modernize its currency system, improve durability, enhance security, and reduce environmental impact. Following the successful issuance of the 20 Baht polymer banknote in 2022 under Series 17, the Bank of Thailand has now expanded the initiative to include the 50 Baht and 100 Baht denominations. These new polymer banknotes, which retain their iconic designs featuring King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X), reflect a blend of technological advancement and national tradition.
In this article, we explore the historical context, design elements, security features, production rationale, accessibility enhancements, and future outlook of the 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer banknotes scheduled for circulation in late 2025.
Thailand Previous Polymer Banknotes
Thailand's experimentation with polymer banknotes spans over two decades. The earliest uses were primarily for commemorative purposes, but over time, regular issue notes have also transitioned to polymer for greater functionality and environmental benefits.
Commemorative Polymer Banknotes
1996 Commemorative Issue
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX), Thailand issued its first-ever polymer banknotes—denominations of 50 Baht and 500 Baht. These notes featured elegant commemorative themes and advanced anti-counterfeiting technology for the time. Read more: Thailand 1996 Polymer Banknotes – King Rama IX 50th Reign
2024 Commemorative Issue:
A 100 Baht polymer note was released in honor of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 72nd birthday. This modern commemorative note incorporated high-grade polymer material and advanced printing methods. Read more: Thailand King Rama X 72nd Birthday 100 Baht Polymer Note
Regular Issue Polymer Notes
Series 15 (1997) – King Rama IX:
Thailand's first regular polymer banknote appeared as part of Series 15 on 7 May 1997. The 50 Baht polymer note was issued in four signature varieties, indicating the evolving leadership at the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand. This note was printed by Note Printing Australia (NPA).
Series 17 (2022) – King Rama X:
In 2022, the Bank of Thailand reintroduced polymer with the 20 Baht note. The new material aligned with global trends in banknote durability and sustainability, and it featured enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures. This marked the beginning of Thailand’s full-fledged transition to polymer substrates in circulation banknotes. The initial batch of these notes was printed on De La Rue’s SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate, while later printings utilized Guardian® substrate.
New Polymer 50 Baht and 100 Baht Notes
Announcement and Issue Date
On 29 August 2025, the Bank of Thailand officially announced the introduction of the 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer banknotes under Series 17. These notes are scheduled to enter circulation on 21 November 2025. The announcement came on the heels of favorable performance data from the 20 Baht polymer note.
The polymer 20 Baht banknotes, introduced in 2022, demonstrated an average lifespan of 8 years, which is four times longer than traditional paper banknotes. This durability significantly reduces the need to print replacements—by at least 350 million notes per year—resulting in lower costs and a reduced environmental footprint.
This success provided the foundation and public trust necessary to extend polymer technology to higher denominations.
Circulation Strategy
While both paper and polymer notes will temporarily circulate in parallel, new paper 50 Baht and 100 Baht notes will no longer be printed. This ensures a gradual yet irreversible shift toward polymer banknotes for everyday use.
The change is also expected to familiarize the public with handling and verifying polymer notes, a crucial aspect in minimizing counterfeiting risks and improving public trust in physical currency.
Design Overview: Consistency with Tradition
Despite the change in substrate, the design layout for the 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer banknotes remains identical to their paper counterparts under Series 17. This continuity honors Thai cultural and historical themes while modernizing the materials and production process.
Obverse Design Features
The front side of Thailand's Series 17 banknotes is a tribute to the current monarch and the nation's symbols, blending traditional elements with modern design.
Portrait: King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X) in his Royal Thai Air Force uniform
Emblems: Two key emblems are prominently featured. The Royal Garuda, Thailand's national emblem, is positioned at the top right-hand corner. At the center is the royal cypher of King Rama X.
Text in Thai Script: Below the royal cypher bears the title "Government of Thailand", while the legal tender text and denomination in words is placed below the title.
Numerical Denomination: The denomination is clearly displayed in both Thai and Western numerals at the bottom corners.
Signatures: The note includes the signatures of two key officials: the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Thailand.
Color and Size: The notes are distinguished by their distinct colors and dimensions: the 50 Baht is blue and measures 144 x 72 mm, while the 100 Baht is red and measures 150 x 72 mm.
Reverse Design Features
The reverse side of Thailand's Series 17 banknotes is dedicated to honoring the past kings of the Chakri Dynasty, reflecting the nation's rich history and royal lineage.
General Features: Both the 50 Baht and 100 Baht notes feature the Royal Garuda and the Chakri dynasty emblem. The Chakri emblem, a disk with a trisula (trident) and a chakra (disc), is the symbol of the dynasty. The numerical denominations are displayed in both Western (Arabic) and Thai numerals for easy identification.
50 Baht Reverse: The portraits of King Rama III and King Rama IV.
100 Baht Reverse: The portraits of King Rama V and King Rama VI.
Enhanced Features
Polymer banknotes allow for more advanced anti-counterfeiting features. The Bank of Thailand’s Series 17 polymer notes include several updated and enhanced technologies:
Simulated Security Thread: Designed to mimic traditional security threads but embedded within the polymer for tamper resistance
Watermark Shadow Image: A translucent image of the king is visible when the note is held up to light, providing a classic but effective verification method
Color-Shifting Ink: The numeric denomination printed with ink that changes color when tilted, making counterfeiting more difficult
Clear Window: Standard in polymer banknotes worldwide, this transparent section includes microtext and embedded symbols
Tactile Elements for the Visually Impaired: Raised Braille-style symbols indicating denomination and clear tactile diagonal lines on both edges, helping the visually impaired identify the banknote through touch
Special Ink in Window Zone: Text or numbers printed in color-shifting ink within the transparent area for additional verification
These features meet modern international standards for banknote security and signal Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding its currency integrity.
Environmental & Economic Benefits
Switching from paper to polymer notes offers a host of sustainability and cost-saving advantages:
Durability: As proven with the 20 Baht polymer note, the average lifespan increased to 8 years, compared to just 2 years for paper.
Waste Reduction: Reduces the frequency of note replacements, translating to an estimated savings of 350 million notes annually.
Resource Conservation: Less energy, water, and raw material consumption associated with polymer notes compared to cotton-based paper.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Fewer replacements mean fewer printing runs, packaging, and distribution costs.
Public Hygiene: Polymer notes are easier to clean and less likely to retain bacteria or viruses, making them more suitable for frequent handling.
These benefits align with Thailand’s broader environmental goals and contribute to a more sustainable financial system.
Legal and Institutional Framework
The issuance of the new 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer notes was officially published in the Royal Gazette on 28 August 2025. The announcement formalized the circulation date and outlined the denominations, issuing authority, and legal tender status.
The Bank of Thailand followed up with a detailed public statement the next day, 29 August 2025, through its official website, confirming the design, purpose, and production rationale.
Printing and Production
The 20 Baht polymer note was previously printed by De La Rue, a globally renowned banknote printer. Although the Bank of Thailand has not explicitly confirmed the same printer for the 50 and 100 Baht polymer notes, industry watchers and trends suggest that the production is likely to be either: De La Rue’s Safeguard® polymer substrate or CCL Secure’s Guardian® substrate.
These are two of the most widely used polymer technologies in circulation worldwide. Series 17’s 20 Baht note previously utilized both types.
Future Outlook: 500 Baht and 1,000 Baht
While no official announcements have been made regarding polymer versions of the 500 Baht and 1,000 Baht notes, the Bank of Thailand has indicated that further expansion will depend on:
Performance assessments of the new 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer notes
Security evaluations, particularly for higher-denomination counterfeiting risks
Public reception and ease of use
Cost-benefit analysis relative to demand and wear rates
It’s clear that if the newly issued polymer notes perform as expected, further denomination conversions are likely in the coming years.
Conclusion
The rollout of Thailand’s new polymer 50 Baht and 100 Baht banknotes under Series 17 reflects a forward-thinking approach to currency management—one that balances tradition with innovation. Featuring the same regal portraits of King Rama X, the notes combine national symbolism with world-class materials, anti-counterfeiting security, and accessibility for all.
Backed by a strong legal framework, environmental motivations, and public communication, the Bank of Thailand is paving the way for a more resilient, efficient, and inclusive currency system. For numismatists, policy analysts, and the general public alike, these new notes signal an important shift—not just in how money is made, but in how it serves the people of Thailand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the new 50 and 100 Baht polymer banknotes enter circulation?
A: The new 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation on 21 November 2025. They were published in the Gazette on 28 August 2025 and officially announced by the Bank of Thailand on 29 August 2025.
Q: Why is Thailand switching to polymer banknotes?
A: The move is a strategic effort to improve the currency's durability, security, and hygiene, while also reducing environmental impact. Polymer notes last up to four times longer than paper notes, significantly reducing the need for replacements and lowering production costs.
Q: What are the key design differences between the new and old notes?
A: The design layout remains identical to the paper Series 17 notes. The main change is the material, which allows for enhanced security features not possible on paper, such as the clear window. Both the obverse (front) and reverse (back) designs, featuring King Rama X and previous monarchs, are consistent.
Q: Who is printing the new polymer banknotes?
A: The Bank of Thailand has previously used both De La Rue’s SAFEGUARD® and CCL Secure’s Guardian® substrates for its 20 Baht polymer notes. While a specific printer hasn't been confirmed for the new notes, it is expected they will use one of these two globally recognized suppliers.
Q: Are the 500 Baht and 1,000 Baht notes also being converted to polymer?
A: No official announcement has been made regarding the conversion of the higher denominations. The Bank of Thailand will first assess the performance, public reception, and cost-effectiveness of the new 50 Baht and 100 Baht polymer notes before deciding on future conversions.