New 100-baht notes to honour Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Bangkok – The Bank of Thailand will soon release a special series of 100‑baht banknotes that honour two beloved members of the royal family: the late Queen Mother Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha. Announced by Governor Vitai Ratanakorn, the commemorative issue reflects a deep respect for the contributions of these figures to Thai society, and it offers the public a tangible way to keep their memory alive. As the notes become available on 21 December 2026, they will circulate alongside the familiar Series 17 polymer notes, yet they carry distinct imagery and subtle security features that speak to the cultural and humanitarian legacies of the queen and the princess.

Royal permission and the scale of the issue

The central bank received explicit royal permission to produce two designs, each bearing a face value of 100 baht. Ten million copies of each design will be printed, bringing the total issuance to twenty million notes. This scale underscores the importance the monarchy places on public remembrance, allowing citizens across the country to obtain the notes at their face value through every commercial bank, as well as the Government Savings Bank, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Government Housing Bank and the Islamic Bank of Thailand.

Because the front of the commemorative notes mirrors the current Series 17 polymer note, everyday transactions will feel familiar. The reverse side, however, will showcase images that capture the royal duties and activities of Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha, highlighting their service to the Thai people and the nation. In addition, both designs will incorporate special fluorescent features that glow under ultraviolet light, using colours and patterns distinct from those on regular circulating notes, adding a subtle layer of security and visual intrigue.

Remembering Queen Sirikit: a guardian of tradition

Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, passed away on 24 October 2025 at the age of 93. Throughout her decades of royal duties, she was especially known for championing traditional Thai arts and crafts. Her dedication to preserving silk weaving, embroidery and other hand‑made traditions helped sustain cultural identity in rural communities, where many families rely on these skills for livelihood.

In 1976 she founded the SUPPORT Foundation, an initiative that offered vocational training and supplementary income opportunities for rural households. By linking traditional craftsmanship with economic development, the foundation created a model of sustainable community empowerment that continues to inspire similar programmes across the region.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha: a reformer and advocate

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47. A law graduate of Thammasat University who later earned advanced degrees from Cornell University, she served as a public prosecutor and as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014. Her legal background informed a passionate commitment to criminal justice reform, especially the conditions of women prisoners.

Through the Kamlangjai Project—also known as the Inspire Project—she sought to provide assistance and opportunities for prisoners and other disadvantaged groups. The initiative aimed to improve rehabilitation and reintegration, reflecting a broader vision of a more compassionate justice system that respects human dignity.

How the commemorative notes will be distributed

Starting 21 December 2026, the two‑design banknotes will be sold at their face value at all participating banks nationwide. This approach ensures that anyone who wishes to keep a piece of history can do so without financial burden, reinforcing the notion that remembrance is a shared public duty.

In addition to the notes themselves, the Bank of Thailand will produce two million commemorative presentation folders for each design. Priced at 10 baht each, the folders provide a respectful way to store the notes. All proceeds from the folder sales will be presented to His Majesty the King for charitable purposes at his discretion, linking the act of collecting the notes to ongoing philanthropic efforts.

Cultural significance of commemorative currency

Commemorative banknotes have long served as a bridge between everyday life and national memory in Thailand. By embedding royal imagery on a medium that passes through the hands of ordinary citizens, the state reinforces a shared sense of identity and gratitude. The fluorescent features, while primarily a security measure, also add a subtle visual cue that invites curiosity and conversation, especially among younger generations who may encounter the notes for the first time.

For many Thai people, holding a note that bears the likeness of a beloved royal figure is a reminder of the values those individuals embodied—whether it is the preservation of traditional crafts championed by Queen Sirikit or the compassionate justice reforms advocated by Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The notes become more than just currency; they turn into portable symbols of national heritage.

Economic and social impact

While the primary purpose of the commemorative issue is remembrance, the rollout also carries modest economic implications. The production of twenty million polymer notes and four million presentation folders creates demand for specialized printing facilities and materials, supporting a niche segment of the printing industry. Moreover, the sale of folders at a nominal price generates a small but symbolic flow of funds that will be directed to charitable projects chosen by the King.

Socially, the availability of the notes across all major banking networks—including the Islamic Bank of Thailand—ensures that diverse communities, from urban Bangkok to remote agricultural provinces, can participate in the act of remembrance. This inclusivity mirrors the royal projects that inspired the notes: the SUPPORT Foundation’s outreach to rural artisans and the Kamlangjai Project’s focus on marginalized groups.

Looking ahead: legacy and collective memory

As the commemorative notes enter circulation, they will likely become cherished keepsakes for families, collectors and institutions alike. In Thai culture, objects that bear the image of a revered figure often find a place on household altars or in community centres, serving as tangible links to the past. The notes may also inspire educational activities, prompting teachers to discuss the royal contributions to arts, rural development and justice reform.

In a broader Southeast Asian context, Thailand’s decision to honour its royal family through currency reflects a regional tradition of using state symbols to reinforce national narratives. Neighboring countries have similarly issued commemorative money to mark historic milestones, and Thailand’s approach underscores the enduring bond between the monarchy and the people.

Ultimately, the 100‑baht commemorative notes are a gentle reminder that the values championed by Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha—preserving cultural heritage, uplifting rural livelihoods and fostering compassionate justice—remain central to Thailand’s collective journey. As they pass from hand to hand, these notes will carry not only monetary value, but also the quiet, steady pulse of a nation remembering its past while looking forward to a hopeful future.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Khaosod English; khaosodenglish.com; Global1.News (09 November 2026).

By Ann Srisawat, Staff Writer