Thai banknotes and their signatures 03

For the third period of signatures on Thai banknotes, this article deals with the notes issued under the ruling of King Rama VII, Prajadhipok.

King Rama VII

Prajadhipok became king, after the his brother, Rama VI died in 1925, after a reign of only 15 years.
Rama VII, the younger brother of Rama VI, was the 32th (!) child of Rama V.
He ruled more or less between the two world wars, and was the last absolute monarch of Thailand (Siam at that time).

At first, he was not meant the be the next king of Thailand.
There was one prince higher in rank, Field Marshal Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, the Prince of Phitsanulok.

Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath

He was the 40th (!!) child of Rama V, but he died in 1920. Logically, his son, Prince Chula Chakrabongse would be in line for the throne.

Prince Chula Chakrabongse

However, his father had married a foreigner (Ukraine) and a recently enforced Succession Law, barred him from the throne.

In his short life, Rama VII died at the age of 47, he was only king for a period of 10 years.
Only 4 different signatures were used during his life, but he was the first king having his portrait on the Thai notes issued in 1934-35.

First difference is, that all of the notes only bare one signature, that of a minister of Finance.
Another change with the previous banknotes, is that for the first time the currency is the thai Baht, and no longer the 'Tical' (one Tical equals one Baht).

Combination 11 : BoT :  -

                             MRT : T5 Praya Komarakunmontri [26 Oct 1929 - 9 Apr 1932]

Praya Komarakunmontri

From here on, banknotes were signed by a Minister of Finance, hence the new numbering 'M'

Combination 12 : BoT :  -

                             MRT : M01 Praya Manopakornnititad [29 Jun 1932 - 23 Jun 1933]

Praya Manopakornnititad

Combination 13 : BoT :  -

                             MRT : M02 Chaopraya Sritanmatibet [24 Jun 1933 - 21 Sep 1934]

Chaopraya Sritanmatibet

Sritanmatibet had the highest nobility rank, below the royals (such as Prince).
'Chaopraya' is a higher rank than 'Praya', and 'Praya' again is a higher rank than 'Pra'.
Next to the rank, also a specific title is given to noblemen. But not only noblemen got ranked and titled in Thailand.

Ranks and titles were also given to monks, the Royal boats, Elephants and horses, and even the river that flows through Bangkok has the rank of Chaopraya!

Combination 14 : BoT :  -

                             MRT : M03 Praya Manavarajsevi [22 Sep 1934 - 1 Aug 1935]

Praya Manavarajsevi

to be continued...

Thai coins : 01 g - 10 baht commemorative coins

The next episode in the (almost) never ending story of commemorative coins of Thailand.

Y # 402

In 2005 (BE 2548) a coin was emitted to honour the Treasury Department.
This department, is part of the Thai Ministry of Finance.

King Rama IX - Y 402 front

seal Treasury Dept. - Y 402 back

The seal is rather small depicted on the coin.
It shows a dragon with wings - phoenix with tail.

Seal Treasury Department

Y # 411

Earlier issued, but with a higher number in the catalogue, is the next coin.
Again, a commemorative coin, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Royal Scolar Board.
The foundation of this institued in 1934, took place under King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok).

On the coin, both kings, King Rama VII and King Rama IX are depicted.

King Rama VII and King Rama IX

The back of the coin shows teh Royal Scolar Board's seal.

Royal Scolar Board's Seal

Y # 412

Another 70th anniversary that was commemorated in 2004, is the Queen's 70th anniversary.
Queen Sirikit can be found on the front of the coin; the royal seal on the back of the coin.

Queen Sirikit - Y 412 front

Royal seal - Y 412 back

Queen Sirikit of Thailand

Y # 413

The last coin for today, is not for an anniversary, but was issued at the occasion of the World IUCN Conservation Congress, that was held in Thailand in 2004.
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Again the front of the coins shows the bust of King Rama IX, the back of the coin shows the logo of the IUCN.

The congress was held in Bangkok in November 2004, under the titel : "People and Nature, only one world..."

IUCN 2004

Y 413 - front

Y 413 - back IUCN logo

more to follow...