20 THB #525

Front

King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (c. 1237/1238–1298), third king of the Phra Ruang Dynasty and founder of the first Thai kingdom of Sukhothai. Depicted as a warrior on horseback wielding a sword, he is credited with creating the Thai alphabet in 1283, expanding the kingdom through military campaigns, and establishing Theravada Buddhism as the state religion. He is one of only seven Thai monarchs honoured with the title 'the Great' and remains a defining figure in Thai national identity and culture.

Back

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX, 1927–2016), ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, who reigned from 1946 to 2016 as the longest-serving head of state in the world. He is depicted in military dress uniform with decorations. During his reign, he became deeply revered in Thailand for his development projects, moral authority, and role in national unity through periods of political turbulence. His portrait has appeared on virtually all Thai banknotes issued during his reign.

History

This 20 baht note belongs to the ninth series of Thai banknotes issued by the Bank of Thailand between 1971 and 1988 under the reign of King Rama IX. The series features various Thai historical kings on the front and the portrait of the reigning King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the reverse. The Garuda emblem, the national symbol of Thailand representing the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu and adopted as the royal seal, appears prominently. The note was printed by Thomas De La Rue in London. Serial number format and prefix suggest this is a standard circulation note from the series. This design remained in circulation until being gradually replaced by later series in the 1990s and 2000s.