The Thailand Series 3 banknotes, issued beginning in 1934, represent a landmark moment in the nation’s monetary history. These were the first Thai banknotes to feature royal portraits—those of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and later King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII)—marking a significant shift in the design and symbolism of Siamese currency. Known as the first portrait notes of Siam, this series also holds the distinction of being the last to display printed issue dates. In this guide, we explore the history, design, varieties, and collectability of Series 3 banknotes—essential knowledge for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of Thailand paper money.
Siam's Early Banknote History
To truly appreciate the significance of Series 3, we must first cast our gaze back to Siam's earlier banknotes. The story of modern Siamese currency began with the Series 1 banknotes, first introduced in 1902. These notes, while crucial for the burgeoning economy, were uniface and notably did not feature a portrait of the King. This trend continued with the Series 2 banknotes, which made their debut in 1925. Like their predecessors, Series 2 notes were devoid of a royal likeness, adhering to the prevailing design philosophies of the time.
However, a significant conceptual shift was on the horizon. King Prajadhipok, revered as King Rama VII, ascended the throne on 26 November 1925, with his official coronation held a few months later on 25 February 1926. In an era where many European and Asian nations were increasingly featuring their monarchs on currency, recognizing the evolving global trends in currency design, and perhaps aiming to further instill a sense of national pride and unity through the visual representation of the revered monarch, the Ministry of Royal Finance—the direct precursor to today's Ministry of Finance—began to envision a new series of banknotes that would proudly feature the image of the reigning sovereign.
In 1928, with royal permission, the decision was made. The task of proposing designs, ensuring security, and ultimately printing these landmark notes fell to Thomas de la Rue, a highly esteemed British security printing company. Thomas de la Rue had already established a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality and secure currency for numerous nations worldwide, including Thailand itself. This pivotal collaboration marked the genesis of what would become the Series 3 of Siam banknotes. The official order for these notes was placed well before the seismic political shifts that would soon redefine the nation, setting the stage for a truly remarkable and historically charged chapter in Siam's monetary history.
Series 3 Banknotes and the Royal Portrait Amidst Revolution
The year 1934 marked a monumental moment for Siam banknotes with the introduction of the Series 3 banknotes. This new series represented a profound visual and symbolic departure from all that came before. For the very first time in Siamese history, the portrait of the reigning monarch graced the obverse of the national currency notes.
Initial Release Featuring King Rama VII
The journey of Series 3 into circulation was not without its dramatic twists. While these groundbreaking banknotes were being printed and prepared for release, Siam was swept up in a tide of political change. On 24 June 1932, the Khana Ratsadon, or the People's Party, orchestrated the Siamese Revolution. This pivotal event fundamentally altered the nation's governance, transitioning Siam from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
Despite this momentous political upheaval, the Series 3 banknotes featuring King Rama VII's portrait continued their path to circulation, being introduced in 1934. This continuity, amidst such radical change, speaks volumes about the planned nature of the currency issuance and perhaps a desire for stability in the face of transition. Archival photographs indicate that 1 Baht banknotes dated 20 November 1934 and 100 Baht banknotes dated 1 February 1933 were in existence, showcasing the timeline of their production and preparation.
The Transition to King Rama VIII
The political narrative continued to unfold. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated the throne on 2 March 1935 (Buddhist Era 2477). On the very same day, the National Assembly of Siam elected his young nephew, Prince Ananda Mahidol, to succeed him as King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). This rapid succession necessitated a change in the royal portrait for subsequent printings of the Series 3 notes.
Consequently, Type 2 of Series 3 banknotes was introduced into circulation in 1936, now featuring the portrait of the new monarch, King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). This swift adaptation highlights the responsiveness of the monetary authorities to the profound changes occurring within the monarchy.
Beyond the significant introduction of the royal portrait, Series 3 holds another unique distinction: it was the last series of Thailand banknotes to have the date of issue printed directly on the notes. Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 all bore dates, providing a clear chronological marker for their production. From Series 4 onwards, and continuing to the present day, Thai banknotes have omitted the printed date, making Series 3 a historical bookmark in this regard. This feature adds another layer of collectibility and historical interest for numismatists.
Design Elements of Series 3 Banknotes
The Series 3 banknotes are a feast for the eyes, rich with symbolic imagery and intricate details. Let's break down the common features and then explore the unique aspects of each denomination.
Portrait of the King: This is arguably the most defining feature. Series 3 notes were the first Thailand banknotes to feature a portrait of the reigning monarch. This marked a profound shift from earlier series. The obverse prominently displays either King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) or King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), a testament to the era's monarchical succession.
Title: The title prominently displayed on all Series 3 notes is "Government of Siam." This is particularly noteworthy because the country's official name would later formally change to "Thailand" in 1939. The persistence of "Siam" on these notes emphatically underscores their historical context, firmly placing them in the era prior to this significant national rebranding.
Legal Tender: Just beneath the title “Government of Siam” on each note lies a line of Thai script—an official declaration affirming the note’s status as legal tender, quietly underscoring the authority and backing of the state.
Denomination: The denomination is easy to spot, gracefully written in bold Thai script on the front of each note, with both Thai and Western numerals appearing on both sides—bridging local tradition and international clarity.
Garuda Emblem: A powerful and ubiquitous symbol, the Royal Garuda (a mythical half-man, half-bird figure) is prominently featured on the obverse of each note. The Garuda is the national emblem of Thailand and symbolizes royal power and authority.
Airapote (Three-headed Elephant): Another recurring symbolic element on the obverse is the Airapote, a mythical three-headed elephant. This revered creature is often associated with the Hindu deity Indra and traditionally symbolizes prosperity, strength, and power.
Watermark: A consistent security feature across the series is the watermark, depicting the words "GOVERNMENT OF SIAM" alongside the Airapote, the mythical three-headed elephant, a traditional symbol of Thailand.
No Security Thread: As was common for banknotes of this era, Series 3 notes do not feature a security thread, relying instead on high-quality paper, printing techniques, and watermarks for anti-counterfeiting measures.
Prefix and Serial Number Color: A striking feature of Series 3 banknotes is the red color used for both the alphanumeric prefix and the serial number. This vibrant hue adds to their aesthetic appeal and distinctiveness.
Number of Digits: The serial numbers uniformly consist of five digits, ranging from 00001 to 100000 for each prefix. This systematic numbering allowed for clear tracking of the notes issued.
Alphanumeric Prefix: The prefixes combine English alphabets with numerical sequences. This system provided a method for categorizing varieties.
For the 1 Baht notes: 'A' and 'B' were used for King Rama VII issues, while 'C', 'D', and 'E' designated King Rama VIII issues.
For the 5 Baht notes: 'K' was consistently used for both Rama VII and Rama VIII types. Interestingly, 'K' has a long history, having been used as an English prefix since Series 2 and continuing into Series 4, 5, and 7, indicating a durable system.
For the 10 Baht notes: 'N' served as the prefix for both Rama VII and Rama VIII types. Like 'K', 'N' also originated in Series 2 and extended its use into Series 4, 5, and 7, showcasing continuity in banknote administration.
For the 20 Baht notes: 'P' was the designated prefix for both Rama VII and Rama VIII types. 'P' also has a strong legacy, appearing since Series 2 and continuing into Series 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Signatory of Banknote: The Minister of Finance: A crucial element for authentication and historical context, the banknotes bear the signature of the Minister of Finance. What makes Series 3 particularly intriguing are the two distinct Thai texts for this title:
Text 1: "รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพระคลัง" (Ratthamontri Wa Kan Krasuang Phra Khlang), which translates to "Minister of Royal Finance." This was the older, traditional name for the ministry.
Text 2: "รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการคลัง" (Ratthamontri Wa Kan Krasuang Kan Khlang), translating to "Minister of Finance." This change in official name was announced on 9 December 1933, pursuant to the Act on the Reform of Ministries, Departments and Agencies B.E. 2476 (1933).
Remarkably, despite the official name change in 1933, Text 1 (Minister of Royal Finance) still appeared on banknotes dated after this reform, highlighting the bureaucratic lag or the use of pre-printed plates. This nuance adds a fascinating layer for collectors.
Three prominent individuals served as Minister of Finance and signed Series 3 banknotes: 1. Sridhamadhibes, 2. Manavarajasevi and 3. Chaiyos Sombat
Printer Name: Along the bottom edge of the observe, in small but unmistakable English letters, appears the name “THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED, LONDON”—a mark of craftsmanship from one of the world’s most esteemed banknote printers.
The Reserve (Back) Design
A unifying element across all denominations of Series 3 is the elegant and iconic reserve design:
Pra Samut Chedi temple on the Chao Phraya River: This serene and picturesque scene is the central motif, depicting the revered temple situated majestically on the vital Chao Phraya River.
Denomination: The denomination is clearly and prominently displayed in the top left corner using traditional Thai numerals and, for broader legibility, in the top right corner using familiar Western numerals.
Forgery Penalty: Just below the tranquil image of Phra Samut Chedi Temple, a stern line of Thai text reminds all who handle the note of the serious legal consequences of forgery—a quiet but powerful warning from the state.
Printer Name: Like the observe, along the bottom edge of the reverse, in small but unmistakable English letters, appears the name “THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED, LONDON.”
Individual Denomination Designs
Let's now delve into the unique design features of each denomination:
1 Baht Banknote
Colors: Predominantly blue, orange, and yellow
Front (Obverse): To the right of the King's portrait, the majestic Royal Barge Suphanahongse glides gracefully on the water, a symbol of royal pageantry and national heritage.
Dimensions: 135 x 75 mm
5 Baht Banknote
Colors: Predominantly purple and green
Front (Obverse): The main vignette on this denomination features the exquisite Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) located within the Grand Palace in Bangkok, one of Thailand's most sacred sites.
Dimensions: 155 x 75 mm
10 Baht Banknote
Color: Dominated by a rich brown color
Front (Obverse): The landscape depicted on the right of the King's portrait is the tranquil Mae Ping River, a vital waterway in Northern Thailand.
Dimensions: 175 x 95 mm
20 Baht Banknote
Colors: Predominantly green with a blend of yellow, and orange
Front (Obverse): The central vignette on this note portrays a bustling river community, complete with traditional houses and a pagoda, offering a glimpse into everyday life along Thailand's waterways.
Dimensions: 175 x 95 mm
It's worth noting that while 100 Baht and 1000 Baht specimens bearing the portrait of King Rama VII are known to exist in collections, they were never officially issued for general circulation.
A Collector's Guide to Series 3 Banknotes
For collectors of Thailand paper money, the Series 3 banknotes offer a fascinating and rewarding array of varieties. These distinctions are primarily identified by the monarch's portrait (King Rama VII or King Rama VIII), the specific Minister of Finance signature, and the subtle but historically significant changes in the ministry's official title. Understanding these nuances is crucial for identifying rarer notes and comprehending their place within the broader context of production history.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the known varieties for both King Rama VII and King Rama VIII issues, which serve as a critical guide for new and seasoned collectors alike:
King Rama 7 Issues (Type 1)
These notes were issued with King Rama VII's portrait, and their varieties are based on the Minister of Finance text and signatory.
1 Baht (King Rama 7) - 3 Varieties
a. Minister of Finance Text: Text 1 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพระคลัง - Minister of Royal Finance). Signature: Sridhamadhibes. Prefix range: A/1 - A/75. (Indicating 75 unique prefixes, each representing 100,000 notes).
b. Minister of Finance Text: Text 1 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพระคลัง - Minister of Royal Finance). Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: A/76 - A/100. (Representing 25 unique prefixes).
c. Minister of Finance Text: Text 2 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการคลัง - Minister of Finance). Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: B/1 - B/100. (Representing 100 unique prefixes).
5 Baht (King Rama 7) - 2 Varieties
a. Minister of Finance Text: Text 2 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการคลัง - Minister of Finance). Signature: Sridhamadhibes. Prefix range: K/1 - K/10.
b. Minister of Finance Text: Text 2 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการคลัง - Minister of Finance). Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: K/11 - K/20.
10 Baht (King Rama 7) - 2 Varieties
a. Minister of Finance Text: Text 1 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพระคลัง - Minister of Royal Finance). Signature: Sridhamadhibes. Prefix range: N/1 - N/10.
b. Minister of Finance Text: Text 2 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการคลัง - Minister of Finance). Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: N/11 - N/20.
20 Baht (King Rama 7) - 1 Variety
a. Minister of Finance Text: Text 2 (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการคลัง - Minister of Finance). Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: P/1 - P/10.
King Rama 8 Issues (Type 2)
These notes feature the portrait of the young King Ananda Mahidol and all use "Text 2" for the Minister of Finance, with variations in signatories.
1 Baht (King Rama 8) - 2 Varieties
a. Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: C/1 - C/40.
b. Signature: Chaiyos Sombat. Prefix range: C/41 - E/50.
5 Baht (King Rama 8) - 2 Varieties
a. Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: K/21 - K/25.
b. Signature: Chaiyos Sombat. Prefix range: K/26 - K/40.
10 Baht (King Rama 8) - 2 Varieties
a. Signature: Manavarajasevi. Prefix range: N/21 - N/30.
b. Signature: Chaiyos Sombat. Prefix range: N/31 - N/50.
20 Baht (King Rama 8) - 1 Variety
a. Signature: Chaiyos Sombat. Prefix range: P/11 - P/20.
For banknote collectors, understanding these distinctions is absolutely key to correctly identifying, categorizing, and appreciating the historical context and potential rarity of each note. It's important to remember that each prefix, for example, K/1, N/5, or P/10, only had 100,000 notes issued. Therefore, a prefix range spanning five prefixes, such as K/21 - K/25 (from the 5 Baht King Rama VIII issues), would account for a total issuance of only 500,000 notes for that specific variety (5 prefixes x 100,000 notes/prefix).
This limited production run for certain varieties inherently contributes to their rarity and, consequently, their appeal and value within the numismatic community. Each note, therefore, is not merely a piece of currency but a unique historical artifact, waiting to be identified, studied, and cherished.
Conclusion
Thailand's Series 3 banknotes hold the unique distinction of being the first to feature the esteemed portrait of the King of Siam and the last to openly display their date of issue, marking them as a critical bridge between old traditions and modern practices. From the pioneering depiction of King Rama VII to the subsequent introduction of King Rama VIII's image, and the subtle yet significant changes in the Ministry of Finance's official title, every detail on these notes tells a story.
For anyone interested in Thailand banknotes or Siam banknotes, the Series 3 offers a compelling journey. Each note is a piece of art, a snippet of history, and a gateway to understanding the rich and complex heritage of this fascinating nation. Collecting them is not just about acquiring rare items; it's about preserving a part of history and connecting with the past in a truly unique way. These notes stand as a proud legacy, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the captivating story they hold within their intricate designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first series of Thai banknotes to feature a portrait of the King?
Thailand’s Series 3 banknotes, introduced in 1934, were the first to feature a portrait of the reigning monarch—initially King Rama VII. This marked a major shift in Thai banknote design and national symbolism.
Which kings are featured on Series 3 banknotes?
King Rama VII (Prajadhipok) appears on the earlier issues, while King Rama VIII (Ananda Mahidol) is shown on the later printings.
Who printed Thailand Series 3 banknotes?
They were printed in London by Thomas De La Rue & Company, a world-renowned security printer known for producing high-quality banknotes for many countries.
What denominations were officially issued in Thailand’s Series 3 banknotes?
Series 3 banknotes were officially issued in four denominations: 1 Baht, 5 Baht, 10 Baht, and 20 Baht. Although 100 Baht and 1,000 Baht notes featuring King Rama VII were printed as specimens, they were never released for general circulation.
How can you identify different types of Series 3 notes?
You can distinguish them by the king’s portrait, the Thai text of the Minister of Finance title, the official signature, and the alphanumeric prefix.