Understanding What Is a Thai Baht: Your Currency Guide

​​​​​​​Thailand’s economic rise has made the Thai Baht (THB) a favorite instrument for foreign exchange (FX) currency traders. As of 2019, the Thai Baht was the 24th most-traded currency according to the Bank of International Settlements. Thailand’s military government took over control following a 2014 coup-d’etat. The government issued a twenty-year economic development plan which sets the goal of reaching developed-economy status by the year 2037.

Series 1 was chosen due to the series which precedes this were non-decimal. Series 1 banknotes was the first series to be produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited. In 1900, Charles James Rivett Carnac, a Royal Treasury Ministry advisor proposed that the Siamese baht followed the issuances of banknotes followed the British standard. In 1897, the first coins denominated in satang were introduced, cupronickel 2+1⁄2, 5, 10, and 20 satang. However, 1 solot, 1, and 2 at coins were struck until 1905 and 1 fueang coins were struck until 1910.

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For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, consider using our AUD to BHT currency converter before making any exchanges. Each banknote denomination has a distinct thickness and feel, making it easier to distinguish between them. The front of the notes typically features portraits of notable figures, including past monarchs in Thai history. Intricate artwork, patterns, and security features are also incorporated. Credit and debit cards are accepted in urban areas and tourist destinations, but extra charges may apply, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank before forex scalping strategy traveling. In this series, the 500-baht note was introduced for the first time ever.

Exchange rate history 100 THB in USD

• Each banknote denomination has a distinct thickness and feel, making it easier to distinguish between them.
• It is generally better to exchange money in Bangkok, Phuket, or other major cities or tourist areas in Thailand rather than in Australia.
• You might occasionally find satang as change in smaller stores or supermarkets, but it’s usually just rounded up or down.

One Baht is equivalent to 100 satang, which is a smaller unit of currency. Baht banknotes have undergone 17 series over the years, with the recent series featuring King Maha Vajiralongkorn in the uniform of the Royal Thai Air Force. In international airports, you’ll usually find currency exchange counters to assist both arriving and departing travelers. Most banks in Thailand provide currency exchange services, and they’re generally open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday. Cash is widely preferred in Thailand, making it a good idea to carry some Thai baht with you, especially in remote locations where cash is the only accepted payment. The Thai Baht has undergone several adjustments in its exchange rate system, including a 50% devaluation in 1997.

Issue 2, 3 – 1860, 1869

• The Bank of Thailand uses intaglio printing, giving the notes a tactile feel and making them slightly elevated.
• Though gold was strangely only used for the 1 fueang denomination.40 The new shield emblem was introduced in this issue.
• The Thai Baht is issued in various denominations, including banknotes of 20 Baht, 50 Baht, 100 Baht, 500 Baht, and 1,000 Baht.
• Due to heavy counterfeiting, series 10 was issued in series 9’s stead.69 The 100-baht note is the only denomination issued in this series.

Our currency rankings show that the most popular Thai Baht exchange rate is the THB to USD rate. The currency code for Thailand Baht is THB, and the currency symbol is ฿. Discover the key differences between functional currency vs local currency, including exchange rates, transactions, and accounting implications. The Thai Baht is the official currency of Thailand and is issued in both banknotes and coins.

Issue 7, 8, 9 – 1908, 1913, 1929, 1939

Chulalongkorn, also known as King Rama V, introduced decimalization of the Thai Baht, which was previously known as the Thai Tical by Westerners. The modern Thai Baht emerged in the mid-19th century and became the sole legal tender in 1925, a significant milestone in the currency’s development. The Thai Baht used to be pegged to the U.S. dollar but has been floating since 1997, with a value fluctuating around $0.03 per Baht. The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht, symbolized as ฿ and abbreviated as THB. The Bank of Thailand uses intaglio printing, which gives the notes a tactile feel.

While this series lacks a circulating 1 baht coin, a trial piece were produced but never released into circulation.31, the coin was 30.5 mm in diameter and made with tin. As a reference, this is the size of 5 baht coin up until issue 16 coins, or the last Rama 9 series of coins. These coins were all produced abroad, and they feature changes in year formatting and design differences over time. System from 1913 onwards.48 The 1 Baht coins were replaced with banknotes starting in 1918 due to the high cost of silver. The 2 Salung and 1 Salung coins experienced changes in metal composition due to fluctuating silver prices during World War I, and these coins have slight design variations based on these changes. The Baht is issued by the Bank of Thailand and comes in various denominations, including coins and banknotes.

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Angelo Douglas is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. It’s worth noting that the Bank of Thailand is responsible for managing the Thai currency. Most stores, supermarkets, and dining establishments accept baht as payment.

Issue 11 – 1946

The characteristic of the banknotes of this era was that there were no series issued at the same time, rather they were issued sporadically and had multiple banks producing their own banknotes. In some urban areas and tourist destinations, credit and debit cards are accepted, but extra charges may apply. Each banknote denomination has a distinct thickness and feel, making them easier to distinguish.

Currency Details

You can also find coins with denominations of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht. The Thai Baht is further subdivided into smaller units called “satang”, with one baht equivalent to 100 satang. Each denomination features a different Thai royalty member, which can be helpful in demystifying your cash transactions. For instance, the 20 Baht note features King Rama IX, while the 1000 Baht note showcases King Rama IX as well.

Typically, local exchange offices offer more competitive rates than ATMs, which may not update their exchange rates daily and often charge transaction fees. For accurate rates and planning, check out our BHT/AUD currency converter. The first series to depict king Rama V, the coins of this issue were made of copper, silver, and gold. Though gold was strangely only used for the 1 fueang denomination.40 The new shield emblem was introduced in this issue. Drawing from western influences, symbols within these sections represented territories Siam was controlling.

The banknotes are brightly colored and feature intricate artwork, patterns, and security features. You’ll find that credit and debit cards are accepted in urban areas and tourist destinations, but be aware that extra charges may apply. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see a 3% surcharge on foreign transactions. Coins in the denominations of 25 and 50 satang are also available for purchase, although they’re not commonly encountered in everyday transactions. You might occasionally find satang as change in smaller stores or supermarkets, but it’s usually just rounded up or down. The coins are available in denominations of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht.