A Guide to Thai Baht Banknotes
Posted by: Ian • 29 Nov 2025
Chances are, if you’ve just come back from a trip to Thailand, you’ve got a wallet filled with vibrant, unfamiliar cash. Thai baht banknotes are a colourful bunch, coming in five main denominations: 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht. Each one has its own distinct colour and design, and getting to know them is the first step in figuring out what to do with your leftover holiday money.
Your Guide to Thai Baht Banknotes
Whether you have a few notes tucked away from your travels or a whole collection of leftover foreign currency, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’ve got. Thai banknotes aren't just pieces of paper; they’re a celebration of the country’s rich history and monarchy, with detailed designs that tell a story.
Once you’re back in the UK, however, these beautiful notes can feel more like souvenirs than actual money. You’ll quickly find that high street banks and exchange bureaus often won’t touch foreign coins, and they can be just as fussy about older-looking notes, leaving you with cash that seems practically worthless. That's where our fast, easy, and hassle-free service comes in.
Turning Leftover Currency into Pounds
We offer a fast, easy, and completely hassle-free way to convert your leftover Thai baht—and any other foreign currency you have lying around—back into pounds. We’ve designed our entire process to be as convenient as possible, getting rid of all the usual hurdles so you can easily exchange foreign coins and notes.
- No Sorting Needed: Don't stress about separating coins from notes or old series from new ones. There's no need to sort coins; just gather up all your leftover holiday money and send it our way.
- Comprehensive Service: We exchange pretty much everything – foreign coins, current banknotes, and even those old or obsolete notes and coins that others turn away.
- 100% Guaranteed: Our service is transparent and secure from start to finish. You can be confident you’ll get the value we quote for your currency.
We are a trusted partner for major UK organisations, including well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces. This trust is built on our reliable, credible, and straightforward approach to currency exchange.
Our mission is to make it simple to exchange foreign coins and notes. Instead of letting that leftover foreign currency gather dust in a drawer, you can convert it into real cash, quickly and efficiently.
The Story Behind Your Thai Currency
Every banknote has a story to tell, and the history behind your Thai baht banknotes is a fascinating one, with a surprising link to the UK. Long before the colourful notes we see today, Thailand—or Siam, as it was then known—used a completely different type of money called ‘bullet money’. These were small, silver bars bent into a unique shape that served as the main currency for centuries.
The shift towards modern money began in the mid-19th century, a time of massive change for Siam. It all kicked off with a remarkable gift from Britain's Queen Victoria to King Rama IV: modern minting machinery. This was the first step away from traditional methods and towards a standardised national currency that would make international trade much simpler.
From Bullets to Baht
The switch wasn't exactly seamless. The first machines were hand-operated and just couldn't keep up with demand, leading to a coin shortage right across the kingdom. The real breakthrough came when steam-powered minting technology was introduced, which massively increased production and cemented the move to modern currency.
In a clever twist, a malfunction at the Siamese mint pushed King Chulalongkorn to find an innovative solution. He ordered coins to be produced at a mint in Birmingham, England—the first time Thai coins were ever made abroad for circulation. These new coins were designed to match the sizes of British coins like the Farthing and Penny, making them instantly more familiar to international merchants. You can explore more about this interesting history of the Thai baht and its UK connection.
This reliance on British minting expertise was a crucial step in modernising Siam's economy, paving the way for the decimalisation of the baht in 1897. It’s a rich history that adds a bit of perspective to the leftover holiday money you might have sitting in a drawer. It also highlights the deep expertise needed to understand global currencies.
Found some old Thai baht banknotes tucked away in a travel wallet? You might be wondering if they’re still worth anything. The short answer is yes, they almost certainly are, but you’ll need to figure out if they’re still in circulation or have been withdrawn.
Thankfully, it's easier than you think. The key difference is the portrait on the front. Current banknotes, known as Series 17, feature His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X). The series just before that (Series 16 and earlier) prominently display his father, the much-revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX). This one visual check is the fastest way to tell which series you're holding.
This diagram shows the fascinating journey of Thai currency, from its ancient "bullet money" origins to the modern banknotes we see today.
As you can see, the path from traditional forms of payment to today's standardised baht involved a major modernisation, including the use of British machinery to mint the first modern coins and print notes.
Comparing Current (Series 17) vs Older (Series 16) Banknotes
To make it even clearer, here’s a quick comparison table. It's a simple tool to help you quickly tell the difference between the new and old series and work out if your currency is still in circulation.
| Feature | Current Series (King Rama X) | Older Series (King Rama IX) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Portrait | His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn in his Royal Thai Air Force uniform. | His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, often in his Supreme Commander uniform. |
| Issuing Period | 2018 to present. | Various series issued from 1948 until 2016. |
| Circulation Status | Currently in circulation and widely accepted in Thailand. | Officially withdrawn from circulation. |
| Exchangeability | Can be spent in Thailand or exchanged at any bank. | Rejected by high street banks but can be exchanged via specialist services. |
Even if your notes feature the older portrait of King Rama IX, don't worry. They still have value, and we can help you exchange them.
What Should I Do with Obsolete Banknotes?
It’s a common assumption that once a banknote is withdrawn from circulation, it becomes worthless. This is a practical tip: while your local bank or Post Office will almost certainly refuse them, these older notes are exactly what we specialise in.
The main thing to remember is that "obsolete" does not mean "valueless." Our fast, easy service is specifically set up to exchange currencies that others turn away, making sure you don't lose out on your leftover travel money.
We make it our business to convert foreign coins and banknotes, regardless of their age or status. It’s a core part of our 100% guaranteed promise. For a deeper dive into all the different designs, have a look at our complete guide to the Thai baht note.
A Fast and Simple Exchange Process
We’ve designed our process to be incredibly straightforward. You don't need to waste time sorting through your old currency, trying to separate the old from the new or the coins from the notes. Just gather it all up and send it to us in one go.
We offer a fast, easy, and hassle-free way to turn that forgotten collection of notes into pounds. It’s why we’re trusted by major UK organisations, including national charities, airports, and even police forces, who rely on our credibility and efficiency to handle all sorts of foreign currency.
How to Spot Counterfeit Thai Baht Notes
When you're handling foreign money, a bit of know-how can make all the difference in making sure it’s genuine. The good news is that spotting fake Thai baht banknotes is surprisingly easy once you know the tricks of the trade. The Bank of Thailand has packed its notes with clever security features, making them simple to verify.
Here's some helpful advice: the best way to check is using the "Feel, Look, and Tilt" method. You don't need any fancy equipment, and it gives you instant confidence in the notes you're holding. It's a handy skill to have, whether you're bartering in a Bangkok market or sorting through your leftover holiday cash back home.
Feel the Texture
First things first, get a feel for the note. Run your fingers across the surface. A genuine Thai baht note is printed on special paper made from cotton fibre, giving it a tough, durable feel that’s very different from your average bit of paper.
You should also notice a raised, textured feel from the intaglio printing. This special technique creates a bumpy surface on important parts of the note, like the King's portrait and the numbers showing the denomination. Fake notes usually feel completely flat and smooth.
Look for Hidden Features
Next, hold the banknote up to the light. This simple action reveals features that are otherwise invisible and is one of the most reliable ways to spot a forgery.
- Watermark: You should be able to see a clear watermark of the King's portrait on the right-hand side, along with a fainter, see-through watermark of the note’s value.
- Security Thread: A metallic thread is woven directly into the paper. On the latest series of notes, you’ll see this as a solid dark line when you hold it to the light, often with tiny text showing the denomination.
These features aren't just printed on the surface; they're built right into the paper, which makes them incredibly difficult for counterfeiters to copy convincingly.
Tilt to See the Magic
The final check is to tilt the note back and forth. This reveals some clever features that change and shift with the light.
On the higher value notes, keep an eye out for a holographic foil patch. As you tilt the note, the colours and images inside the hologram will move and change. Some denominations also use colour-shifting ink, where the numbers or designs change colour as you move the note. A great example is the Arabic numerals on the 100-baht and 1,000-baht notes, which shimmer from gold to green.
Knowing how to verify your currency is crucial, and it’s why our 100% guaranteed service includes expert checks on all notes we receive. This commitment to security and credibility is why we are trusted by major brands like airports, charities, supermarkets, and even police forces.
The security in Thai baht notes is seriously impressive. From a UK perspective, they stand out, especially considering the UK's own ongoing battle with fakes. While the UK has around 25 fake notes per million in circulation, Thai banknotes use multiple layers of protection—including polymer on some notes—making them far more resilient. You can discover more about the world's most protected currencies and see how the baht stacks up.
Exchange Your Leftover Thai Baht the Easy Way
So, you've sorted through your leftover Thai baht banknotes, figured out which ones are current, and now you’re ready to turn that pile of holiday money back into pounds. This is usually where the hassle begins. High street banks and post offices can be incredibly picky, often refusing to take foreign coins and turning their noses up at any banknote that looks a bit old or unfamiliar.
We think getting your money back shouldn't be a chore. That’s why we’ve designed a service that’s fast, easy, and completely straightforward from start to finish. We’ve cut out all the usual red tape to make the whole thing as painless as possible for you.
Our entire system is built on a simple idea: exchanging your own money shouldn't feel like work. We offer a 100% guaranteed service trusted by some of the UK’s biggest names, including major charities, national airports, supermarkets, and even police forces.
A Simple Three-Step Process
We’ve boiled our process down to three incredibly simple steps. You won't find any complicated forms, long queues, or demands that you spend hours sorting your currency. This real-world insight shows just how easy it is to exchange foreign coins.
- Complete Our Online Form: Just start by filling out our easy online form. It gives us everything we need to get your exchange processed quickly.
- Package Your Currency: Gather up all your leftover foreign currency. That means every Thai baht banknote and coin, plus any other odds and ends from different trips you have lying around. There is absolutely no need to sort coins from notes or separate the old, obsolete currency from the new stuff. Just pop it all into one secure package.
- Send It To Us: Post your package to us. The moment it arrives, our expert team takes over, handling everything from the careful sorting and counting to sending your payment directly to you.
Our promise is to make currency exchange effortless. Forget the frustration of being turned away at a counter. With us, you can convert foreign coins and banknotes without any of the usual fuss.
Why Our Service Stands Out
The biggest benefit is simplicity. Most people have a jumble of different currencies from various holidays, and that often includes a lot of coins that other services simply won't touch. We accept it all. It doesn’t matter if you have a handful of Thai baht coins, a few older banknotes featuring King Rama IX, or a whole collection from different countries—we can help.
This all-in-one approach is designed to save you time and make sure you get the maximum value back from your travel money. If you’d like to see how it all works in more detail, you can learn more about how to exchange leftover foreign currency on our detailed guide. It’s genuinely the easiest way to manage your holiday money and get usable cash back in your pocket.
Give Your Leftover Currency a Second Life
After a trip, it’s easy to end up with a few leftover Thai baht banknotes and coins rattling around in a drawer. You might think the amount is too small to bother exchanging, so it just sits there, forgotten. But what if that spare change could be put to good use?
Instead of letting your holiday money collect dust, you can give it a second life by donating its value to a great cause. This is a brilliant option for smaller amounts or for anyone who simply wants to make a difference. We’ve made the process just as fast, easy, and hassle-free as our standard currency exchange.
A Simple Way to Support a Cause
We partner with some of the UK’s leading charities, meaning your leftover baht can go straight to supporting their vital work. It’s a core part of our commitment to being an ethical, community-focused business, and it’s one of the reasons we’re trusted by major UK brands like airports, supermarkets, and even police forces for transparent currency handling.
The process is exactly the same as our normal exchange service:
- Gather all your leftover currency—coins and obsolete notes included.
- Pop it all into a secure package.
- Send it to us and let us know you’d like to donate the proceeds.
We take care of everything else, from sorting and counting to valuation, making sure your chosen charity gets the full amount. It's a simple yet powerful way to donate foreign coins to charity and ensure your travel money truly counts.
This hassle-free charitable option is backed by our 100% guaranteed promise of a transparent and reliable service. When you choose to donate, you’re not just clearing out clutter; you’re turning forgotten currency into meaningful support for people who need it.
To see which incredible causes you can support, you can learn more about how to donate your foreign currency on our website.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
It’s natural to have a few questions before sending your leftover Thai baht banknotes our way. We get it. Here are some straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often, so you can feel completely confident.
Our whole approach is built on making things simple and clear for you.
Can I Exchange Old Thai Baht Banknotes?
Yes, you certainly can. This is actually one of the main reasons people come to us. High street banks and local exchange bureaus almost always say no to obsolete currency, but that’s our specialty. We have the expertise to value withdrawn banknotes, making sure you don’t miss out. Just pop them in with the rest of your currency, and our hassle-free process handles it all.
Do I Need to Sort My Thai Coins and Notes?
Not at all. We want to make the process to exchange foreign coins and notes as easy as it can possibly be. Simply gather all your leftover Thai baht—coins and banknotes, old and new—and send them to us in one go. Our system is designed to sort through mixed currency efficiently, saving you the headache.
How Do I Know I Can Trust Your Service?
Trust is everything in our business, and we’ve spent years earning it. We’re a well-established UK service trusted by some of the biggest organisations in the country, including national charities, major airports, supermarkets, and even police forces.
We provide a 100% guarantee on every single transaction. This ensures a secure, transparent, and reliable process from the moment your currency leaves your hands to the moment you get paid.
What Happens If I Accidentally Send a Counterfeit Banknote?
Don’t worry. Our expert team verifies every piece of currency we receive as part of our standard security checks. If we find a suspected counterfeit note in your bundle, we simply set it aside—it won’t be included in your final valuation. We then continue with the exchange for all the genuine notes and coins you sent. This way, you always receive the fair value for your legitimate currency. Thinking about giving other items a second chance at life? You might find some great ideas in these practical zero-waste living tips.
Ready to turn that forgotten travel money into real cash? At We Buy All Currency, our fast, easy, and hassle-free service lets you convert foreign coins and banknotes with complete confidence. Trusted by major brands and 100% guaranteed, there's no need to sort your coins and notes. Get started today by visiting our homepage at https://www.webuyallcurrency.com.