Thailand has made two previously issued commemorative banknotes honouring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother available to the public again from 1 October 2026. The first is a THB 100 note created for the sixth-cycle birthday anniversary in 2004. The second is a THB 500 note from the seventh-cycle anniversary in 2016. Both are exchanged at face value while stocks last.
The release is an exchange, not a retail sale with a premium. That distinction helps collectors and curious visitors plan sensibly. Availability differs by location, the number per person is capped and the Bank of Thailand Learning Centre carries only the THB 100 issue. Check the chosen branch before travelling, especially after the first October weekends.
The THB 100 note
The 2004 commemorative banknote marks the sixth-cycle, or 72nd, birthday anniversary. Its face value is THB 100. The tall format places a royal portrait on each side and differs clearly from the ordinary circulation note of the same denomination.
At the Bank of Thailand Learning Centre, this is the only one of the two re-released notes available. It was offered from 1 to 4 October and on Fridays through Sundays during October, subject to remaining stock.
The THB 500 note
The 2016 issue marks the seventh-cycle, or 84th, birthday anniversary and has a face value of THB 500. Its design also uses a vertical commemorative format rather than the familiar horizontal circulation layout.
The THB 500 note is not available at the Learning Centre under this release. Exchange it at Government Savings Bank branches or designated Krung Thai Bank branches, subject to stock at the individual location.
Face-value exchange
A person exchanges THB 100 for each THB 100 note and THB 500 for each THB 500 note. No collector premium is charged by the issuing and participating institutions. Be cautious of online sellers implying that branch exchange requires an added fee.
A resale market may develop, but a private asking price does not establish guaranteed value. Buy only for personal interest and never treat a commemorative banknote as a risk-free investment.
Quantity limits
The release limits exchange to 20 notes of each denomination per person. The cap is intended to distribute available stock more broadly. It does not promise that every branch will have the maximum quantity when you arrive.
Bring identification if requested and follow the branch’s queue process. Do not recruit other people to bypass the limit. A single example is enough for most casual collectors and reduces handling and storage concerns.
Bangkok exchange option
The Bank of Thailand Learning Centre is the clearest Bangkok destination for the THB 100 note, but its October schedule and remaining stock should be confirmed before travel. The centre stands in the riverside Bang Khun Phrom area.
Government Savings Bank branches and designated Krung Thai Bank branches offer broader channels and are the route for the THB 500 issue. Use the designated-branch list and call the branch, because not every KTB location is included.
Check a note carefully
Receive the note at the counter and inspect it before leaving. Check denomination, visible condition and the number of pieces. Do not fold a note intended for a collection. Carry a clean rigid sleeve rather than placing it loose in a wallet.
Avoid adhesive tape, lamination and PVC sleeves that can damage paper over time. Store notes flat, dry and away from direct sunlight. Clean hands are usually safer than gloves that reduce grip and crease the paper.
Avoid scams
Use a participating institution for the face-value exchange. Ignore messages asking for card details, one-time passwords or advance transfers to reserve ordinary branch stock. Staff do not need online-banking credentials to hand over banknotes at a counter. Keep payment and collection inside the normal counter process.
If availability is unclear, call the Bank of Thailand Contact Center at 1213 or the chosen bank branch. Stocks are finite, so a sold-out result is possible even when the national campaign remains open. Ask about current counter hours as well as stock before making a special trip across Bangkok.
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Common questions
How much do the notes cost?
They are exchanged at face value: THB 100 for the 2004 note and THB 500 for the 2016 note.
What is the exchange limit?
The published limit is 20 banknotes per denomination per person, subject to stock.
Can I get the THB 500 note at the BOT Learning Centre?
No. The Learning Centre carries the THB 100 issue; use GSB or a designated KTB branch for the THB 500 note.