The Bank of Thailand is printing two commemorative banknotes in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th birthday.

The banknote to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday anniversary on 12 August 2012 is worth 80 baht, to be sold for 120 baht with a hard-paper cover.

It is 80 millimeters wide; the number represents 80 years of age. The predominant color is blue, which represents Friday, the birthday of Her Majesty. The front of the banknote displays a portrait of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

The watermark features Her Majesty the Queen’s crowned monogram “Ê.¡.” With a special translucent effect, the electrotype letter “¡” is clearly visible from both sides when the banknote is held up to the light.

The windowed security thread is visible on the surface of the paper at regular intervals. Each window contains the number “80” and a “rose” image, which are switched when the banknote is tilted.

According to the Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Mr. Prasarn Trairatvorakul, the 80-baht commemorative banknote, two million in number, will be released on 9 August onwards. It will be available at all branches of commercial banks, the Government Savings Bank, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Government Housing Bank, and the Islamic Bank of Thailand. Part of the proceeds from the sale will be presented to Her Majesty the Queen for charity purposes.

As for the celebrations of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s fifth cycle, or 60th, birthday anniversary on 28 July 2012, 10 million commemorative banknotes will be issued. Each is worth 100 baht and will be circulated on 27 July 2012 onwards.

The image on the front side is identical to the 15th series of 100-baht banknotes presently in circulation. The special design on the back of the banknote includes a portrait of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and depicts the scene of His Royal Highness being conferred the title of Crown Prince.

The central bank governor stated that the issuance of these commemorative banknotes is meant to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and to honor them on the auspicious occasions of their birthdays this year.

The 80th birthday and 60th birthday are considered important milestones in life and special celebrations are usually arranged on these auspicious occasions. The Government and the people of Thailand are preparing various projects and activities to commemorate these two occasions to show gratitude and loyalty to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness.