New polymer 50 and 100 baht notes coming in November

[Gaybutton]

It started with 20 baht notes a few years ago. Beginning in November 50 and 100 baht polymer notes will be introduced. While most 20 baht notes are the polymer type now, I still occasionally receive paper notes. I have had no problems paying with them. They are still readily accepted.
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Bank of Thailand to Introduce New Polymer Banknotes

by THE NATION

August 29, 2025

The central bank's governor announces the launch of more durable and secure 50 and 100 baht notes, with the new currency expected to enter circulation this November

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is set to release new 50 and 100 baht banknotes made from a special polymer material, aimed at improving durability and security while reducing environmental impact.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, BOT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said the new notes will be resistant to moisture and dirt, making them more durable than their paper counterparts.

Citing the successful launch of the 20 baht polymer note, which lasts an average of four times longer than paper, he noted that the move would significantly cut production costs and resource use.

The bank expects to reduce the number of new banknotes needed to replace damaged ones by at least 350 million per year.

The new polymer banknotes will retain the overall design of the current paper versions but will feature enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures.

These include a clear window that can be seen through from both sides, an embossed numeral within the window, and special colour-shifting ink that changes colour when the note is tilted.

In a move to improve accessibility, the new notes will also feature enhanced tactile features for the visually impaired. They will include a tactile embossed symbol in Braille to indicate the denomination and raised slanted lines on both edges, making the notes easier to identify by touch.

The new 50 and 100 baht banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation on 21 November 2025. The public will be able to withdraw them from commercial banks and specialised financial institutions. The 100 baht polymer note will also be available from ATMs. The public can continue to use the existing paper 50 and 100 baht notes as normal.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business ... e/40054685

[Jun]

A good move.

It would be nice if they vastly increased the number of 50 baht notes in circulation as well. Does anyone know why this size is so rare ?

I googled this. I found a reference to one shopkeeper who counted notes received & this is the result:
20 baht 51%
50 baht 6.7%
100 baht 37.5%

I try to hoard them & am not the only one, but I still end up with fewer of them in the wallet.

[Gaybutton]

Does anyone know why this size is so rare ?

I received the following from a Google search. Part of the results say "many recent 50-baht notes were printed on polymer, which are not yet widely available." I have one in my wallet.

I think another reason may be because while all other denominations are available from ATMs, 20 and 50 baht notes are not.

The results under "Functional redundancy" make me wonder why they have these notes at all.

Be careful when using polymer notes. They have a tendency to stick to each other.
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why are thai 50 baht notes rare

Thai 50-baht notes are less common than other denominations due to
their impracticality for common transactions, the widespread use of 20 and 100 baht notes, and the fact that many recent 50-baht notes were printed on polymer, which are not yet widely available.

Functional redundancy
The primary reason for their scarcity is that they are functionally unnecessary for most daily purchases. For the majority of small transactions, people use 20-baht notes. For medium-sized purchases, the 100-baht note is preferred. The 50-baht note often complicates making change, making it less convenient for merchants and customers.

Perceived as a "lucky" note
Because they are encountered less frequently, some Thais view the 50-baht note as lucky and will save them when they come across one. This practice of holding them out of circulation contributes to their rarity.

[Jun]

Thanks for trying !
However 50 baht notes have been rare for as long as I have been visiting Thailand, so long before they were thinking of polymer.
ATMs can't explain it, as 20 baht notes are also not available from ATMs and must outnumber the 50s by 5 to 10 times.

Be careful when using polymer notes. They have a tendency to stick to each other.

I find that too.

[Gaybutton]

However 50 baht notes have been rare for as long as I have been visiting Thailand, so long before they were thinking of polymer.

That's right. Me too. I don't understand why they are going to make a polymer version when, at least in my opinion, it would make more sense to simply discontinue them entirely.

[Jun]

I don't understand why they are going to make a polymer version when, at least in my opinion, it would make more sense to simply discontinue them entirely.

We're going to have to disagree on that. I'd make a new 50 and print them in near equal quantities to the 20s.
I can't think of any other currency where you have 20s & the next step up is 100s.
Besides, there are circumstances where 50 is a handy sum.

Then, when they get onto the larger denominations, change the design of the 500 so that it's easier to identify in poor light.

[Gaybutton]

I'd make a new 50 and print them in near equal quantities to the 20s.

Maybe that's what they are going to do.

The way I see it, Thailand has been trying to become a cashless society and with the number of venues now accepting payment methods such as Prompt Pay, even mom-and-pop street food shops, the usefulness of carrying cash is getting to be more and more obsolete. Already there are places that no longer accept cash at all - only Prompt Pay.

I certainly carry around far less cash than before. I use Prompt Pay for nearly everything I can. Now I use cash only for incidentals and giving tips to waiters and delivery boys. I think those who ride baht buses and motorbike taxis still need to pay cash. Other than that, I can't think of where cash plays a role at all, at least not for me. And I have no particular need for 50 baht notes. The one I mentioned has been sitting in my wallet for months.

I think it won't be long until the only people who need cash will be those who don't have a Thai bank account and international tourists. I believe sooner or later Thailand will come up with some way of getting around that too. According to the article below, that is already getting started.
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How tourist spending is going digital

New sandbox is meant to encourage use of cryptocurrency for travellers

by Nareerat Wiriyapong and Wichit Chantanusornsiri

August 30, 2025

Starting in the fourth quarter this year, foreign investors arriving in Thailand can convert digital assets such as cryptocurrencies into baht to cover their travel expenses and spending in the country.

The initiative called TouristDigiPay is set for a nationwide pilot programme over 18 months within a regulatory sandbox. By allowing foreign tourists to use digital assets as a source of funds for their spending in Thailand, the government is promoting innovations to support the domestic economy and stimulate the stagnating tourism industry.

In addition, Thailand can capitalise on the growth of cryptocurrencies worldwide and position itself as a regional leader in the digital economy, note pundits.

Here is a closer look at the initiative to determine how it can help Thailand revive its key tourism sector.

HOW WILL TOURISTDIGIPAY WORK?

The TouristDigiPay sandbox allows digital asset operators regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to collaborate with e-money service providers regulated by the Bank of Thailand to offer services to foreign tourists seeking to convert digital assets to baht for spending in Thailand via electronic payment (e-money) systems.

Under the sandbox, foreign tourists can make payments by scanning smartphone apps at various merchants across Thailand, including large retailers and small vendors.

Digital assets are not allowed to be used directly as a means of payment for goods and services, and merchants receive payments in baht.

Visitors need to open accounts with both a digital asset business and an e-money provider regulated by the SEC and central bank to ensure system safety.

Tourists must undergo standard identity checks, including KYC (know your customer) and CDD (customer due diligence), following the Anti-Money Laundering Office's (Amlo) rules.

Once set up, tourists can swap their crypto for baht and pay electronically, including by scanning a QR code.

The Tourist Wallet is initially envisioned as an e-money tool for converting currency, with future plans to connect it directly to international debit and credit cards.

"The project includes appropriate risk management measures and follows KYC and CDD procedures in accordance with the standards set by Amlo and other relevant authorities," said SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon.

These procedures apply to both digital asset business operators and e-money service providers. The SEC is revising relevant regulations and opened a pre-consultation phase for businesses to engage in discussions and make necessary preparations, starting from this month, she said.

The sandbox is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. Once the project concludes, its effectiveness will be evaluated to inform further development and expansion of the initiative, said Mrs Pornanong.

WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS?

TouristDigiPay is not a direct crypto payment system where both customers and merchants transact in digital assets. The sandbox offers an alternative way for tourists to use digital assets while leveraging Thailand's robust payment infrastructure.

To keep the transactions secure, spending caps are in place.

Tourists can spend up to 500,000 baht per month for payments to merchants that have passed the know your merchant process, and up to 50,000 baht for payments to small retail merchants.

Businesses flagged as high-risk for money laundering will not be allowed to accept payments, according to the SEC.

Fees for buying and selling digital assets in baht are to be specified by digital asset business operators participating in the sandbox.

Tourists cannot withdraw cash while the Tourist Wallet is active. Converted baht not used for transactions can be converted back into digital assets at an amount not exceeding the original digital asset amount converted into baht.

Tourists can only take money out when closing their Tourist Wallet account, which is meant to reduce the risk of misuse.

HOW DOES EMBRACING CRYPTO BENEFIT THE TOURISM SECTOR?

With TouristDigiPay, travellers can reduce reliance on cash and cards, yet shops and businesses in Thailand are still paid in baht.

The tourism sector contributes roughly 12% of the country's GDP, but foreign arrivals from Jan 1 to Aug 17 are down 7% year-on-year to 20.8 million. China was the largest source market, with 2.93 million visitors.

The National Economic and Social Development Council cut its foreign tourist estimate for this year to 33 million from 37 million. The record for foreign arrivals was nearly 40 million in 2019.

"In Thailand, tourism has long served as a cornerstone of the economy. However, in recent years the industry faced mounting challenges, including global economic volatility, security concerns, and growing competition from neighbouring countries," said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Binance TH by Gulf Binance.

"Against this backdrop, integrating crypto-empowered payment options presents an unprecedented opportunity. It offers international travellers, particularly those who value digital-first experiences such as digital nomads and a rising number of crypto holders globally, a fast, convenient and cashless payment alternative, while also enhancing the appeal of Thailand's tourism offerings."

According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the global crypto payments market was valued at US$550 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2033.

The report identifies increasing acceptance of digital assets as a driver behind this expansion, underscoring crypto payments are not only a symbol of financial innovation, but also a vital component of the future global financial system, said Mr Nirun.

Thailand is not alone in exploring this path. Earlier this year, Bhutan became the first country to launch a government-led national crypto tourism payment system, enabling foreign visitors to transact seamlessly using digital assets throughout their stay.

Crypto payments are also being adopted in the US and Japan, while more countries experimenting with them.

"With Thailand's mature tourism ecosystem and strong digital infrastructure, I believe the country has the capacity to translate this policy into scalable and practical crypto adoption," he said.

HOW CAN THAILAND MANAGE THE RISKS?

Mr Nirun said like any new digital on-ramp, TouristDigiPay carries money laundering risks if illicit funds are converted into baht or tourists attempt to bypass spending limits.

There are also fraud risks in which fake merchants are created to facilitate money laundering, he said.

"The pilot project was designed with strict safeguards and allows only licensed virtual asset service providers and e-money providers to participate, with full KYC policies required," said Mr Nirun.

"Funds are converted to baht and spent only through traceable QR payments, and there are clear caps on both tourist wallets and merchant transactions."

No cash withdrawals are allowed, high-risk merchant categories are excluded under Amlo guidance, and funds are locked until tourists exit Thailand.

These layers ensure convenience for travellers, while making it extremely difficult for illicit actors to exploit the system, he said.

Gulf Binance is holding discussions with regulators on additional measures it could implement to keep the programme robust and secure.

"We need a screening tool to ensure no illicit funds can enter the system," said Mr Nirun.

"We also need to ensure payment transactions serve their real purpose. For example, we can implement a behaviour monitoring system to identify suspicious payment transactions, both for tourists and merchants, in order to swiftly ban or prevent further activities."

Other examples include IP address checks to ensure these transactions actually occur within Thailand, and no suspicious IP address patterns are found, he said.

"There is no one-size-fits-all solution -- it will be an ongoing effort of collaboration between the private sector, regulators, and the government to make this sandbox programme successful and scalable in the long run," Mr Nirun said.

A source from the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity said the anti-money laundering framework for the scheme allows foreign tourists to use cryptocurrency for purchases in Thailand in baht, with measures already established to prevent money laundering.

The CDD procedures involve a more in-depth identity verification process focusing on assessing customer risk to determine whether they are linked to money laundering or terrorism, in accordance with Amlo's regulations.

"This will be carried out when accounts are opened with digital asset operators and e-money service providers," said the source.

"Digital asset operators must also verify the source of funds and assess the money laundering risks associated with tourists' digital assets."

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... ng-digital

[Jun]

I think it won't be long until the only people who need cash will be those who don't have a Thai bank account and international tourists. I believe sooner or later Thailand will come up with some way of getting around that too.

Bank transactions are traceable. So for some illegal practices, cash avoids traceability.
For example:
1 Collecting tea money
2 Working without a work permit
3 Doing illegal work, such as prostitution

Cash also makes it easier to evade tax.

In the UK, almost all my purchases are cashless. Probably about 99%. The only times I've paid cash this year have been for some massages and when splitting the bill for a meal. However, the cashless payments are using a contactless payment card, which is very easy.

In Thailand, I pay cash, by choice. I only faff around with the Thai QR code when forced to.
Also, some recipients of the money might prefer cash for reasons explained above.

I presume the advantage of the Thai system is not having to pay Visa or Mastercard 0.2~0.3%.

[christianpfc]

"The 50-baht note often complicates making change, making it less convenient for merchants and customers."

On the contrary. In my experience, there are a lot of items prices x50 THB (with x being an integer). I recently counted a series of 7 such purchases where I paid full 100s and got 20+20+10 as change.

I collect 50s for taxi. Most of my taxi rides are 50, 60 (in which case I pay 3x20) or 70 (50+20), and I want to pay the exact amount and not wait for change. Whereas in other cases, I can hold to my 50s and wait for 50 (or 20+20+10) change.

[Dodger]

I hate the plastic 20 baht notes.

They slip and side all over the place and are impossible to fold...