Bangkok: The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has announced the upcoming launch of polymer banknotes for 50 baht and 100 baht, effective November 21, 2025. These new banknotes are designed to be more durable, lasting four times longer than traditional paper notes, and incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.
According to Thai News Agency, the BOT's initiative comes in response to the decreasing production of new banknotes, projected to reach 1.3 billion in 2025, as cash usage declines. Mr. Sethaput Suthiwatnarueput, Governor of BOT, highlighted the benefits of the polymer material, which does not absorb moisture or dirt, thereby maintaining a fresh and clean appearance. The 20-baht polymer notes, introduced in 2022, demonstrated an extended lifespan of up to eight years, significantly reducing the need to replace damaged notes by 350 million annually.
The new polymer banknotes will retain a design similar to current paper notes but will include enhanced features like a see-through window, a raised denomination pattern, and color-changing ink. They also incorporate Braille symbols and tactile lines for better accessibility for visually impaired individuals.
The public will be able to access these banknotes through commercial banks and financial institutions. The 100-baht notes will also be available at ATMs, and both denominations will be compatible with vending machines. Existing paper banknotes of 50 and 100 baht will remain in circulation.
Ms. Busakorn Thirapanyachai, Assistant Governor for Payment Systems Infrastructure and Services at BOT, mentioned that the polymer notes aim to reduce counterfeiting rates to approximately 0.4 pieces per million, a figure low by global standards. The shift towards digital spending and the introduction of durable polymer notes are driving the decline in cash usage in Thailand.
The BOT plans to monitor the performance of the new 50 and 100 baht notes before expanding polymer use to higher denominations like 500 and 1,000 baht, with a focus on maintaining security against counterfeiting.