Thai money

In the ancient times, the Thais used "pod duang" (bullet money) as currency. Pod duang was similar to a grub lying curled up. It was generally called ngern klom (round metal currency) in accordance with its round figure. Later, in the reign of King Rama IV, the expansion of international trade was to have a profound effect on the mode of production of currency. Gradually melted and made by hand, Pod duang was not enough to be a medium of exchange. It could only produce 2400 Baht per day.

In 1853, in order to solve the problem of currency shortage, King Rama IV ordered the issues of money called "Mai" to meet the demand of a growing money economy. The first paper money was made of white pound paper. Its design was printed with ink at both sides. Included were the vermilion seal of the national emblem: Chakra and that of His Majesty's emblem: Grand Crown to prevent counterfeiting. However, it was not popular and disappeared at the end of the reign.

In 1874, King Rama V had temporary issues of paper money at low denomination. The money made from pound paper was named Ut - Kradat. There were big Thai alphabets which could read "This worths one Ut" printed in the middle of the leaf-designed bill. It was sealed with His Majesty's emblem. Since it was temporarily used, it lasted not very long.

The bank notes have really been in circulation since 1907. The first series of bank notes issued by the Royal Thai government were printed by The Thomas de la Rue and Company Limited of England.

The Thai bank notes have undergone changes through times. Most of them were printed abroad until 1961 when the cabinet entrusted the Bank of Thailand to establish a Note Printing Press. The Opening of the Note Printing Press of the Bank of Thailand was presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on June 24, 1969. As a matter of fact, the 5 Baht and 10 Baht bills in Thai currency were first printed from this Note Printing Press.