Thailand announces commemorative series

The Bank of Thailand has a long tradition of commemorative notes celebrating different occasions regarding the royal family. So it comes as little surprise that the death of King Bhumibol is the subject for new commemorative notes.

But this time it's not a single note but a whole series which will be issued. The regular 20-, 50-, 100-, 500- and 1000-bath notes of the 16th series will get a special reverse side depicting the life of the late King. From the press release we learn what the subjects of the different notes are:

20 baht: the early life of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
50 baht: H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s royal ceremonies and duties during the early time of his accession to the throne.
100 baht: H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s kindness through royal duties in rural areas.
500 baht: H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s wisdom and talents reflected through royal projects.
1,000 baht: The late reign of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the beloved King of Thai people.

The security features are identical to the 16th series banknotes. There is however a special feature located on the reverse side. The area around the portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej will illuminate when viewed under ultraviolet light. The new banknotes will begin to circulate from 20 September 2017.