New 20 baht notes in Thailand (reader submission)

The Governor of The Bank of Thailand (BOT), in January this year, unveiled the new 20 baht banknote made of polymers that was launched on March 24 this year. The 20 baht note is the most commonly used denomination and is therefore more susceptible to wear and dirt.

The initiative to switch from paper to polymer for 20 baht banknotes is partly because of the better quality. It is not only cleaner (!) but above all more sustainable. The advantage of polymer over paper is that it does not absorb moisture and dirt. Therefore, banknotes can last significantly longer than paper banknotes. Thus, the durability of the new banknotes can reduce the need to replace damaged banknotes. This is better for the environment and the transition from paper to polymer banknotes therefore fits in with the overall sustainability policy of the BOT.

The new 20 baht notes have the same design and features as the current 20 baht paper banknotes in circulation. Advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies are used to ensure that the new banknotes are as difficult to counterfeit as current banknotes are. The additional safety feature is the “clear windows”, which are visible from both sides. The bottom clear window shows a color shift from translucent yellow to red. For the visually impaired, the added feature is the small numerical “20” embossed numbers in the top clear window, which can be easily touched and felt.

The paper banknotes of 20 baht remain legal tender, according to the BOT.

I have now received such a banknote myself, but the feeling has yet to come that this sheet of plastic represents a value. Paper is just paper and digital money is not tangible either, but if it helps to replace banknotes less often, then that is a good step forward that has probably been/is (?) skipped in the EU due to the obsolescence of cash.

Submitted by Johnny BG

Source: https://www.bot.or.th/English/PressandSpeeches/Press/2022/Pages/n0265.aspx