BOT starts issuing 20 Baht polymer banknote

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

The advantage of polymer over paper is such that it does not absorb moisture and dirt while the polymer banknotes can last significant longer than paper banknotes.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has launched the new 20 Baht polymer banknote.

The 20 Baht polymer banknotes keep the same theme of design and features as the current 20 Baht paper banknotes in circulation.
Advanced anti-counterfeit technologies are used to ensure that the new polymer banknotes are difficult to counterfeit, similar to the current banknotes.

The additional security feature is the “clear windows”, which can be seen through from both sides. The lower clear window exhibits color-shifting from translucent yellow to red.

For the visually impaired, the added feature is the small numeric “20” embossed numbers in the upper clear window, which can be easily touched and felt.

The new 20 Baht polymer banknotes were issued today through all banks’ branches. The 20 Baht paper banknotes will remain legal tender.

The initiative to change from paper to polymer for 20 Baht banknotes is to improve the quality: cleaner and more durable. As the 20 Baht is the most widely used denomination, it is therefore prone to being more worn out and soiled than other denominations, said the BOT in its statement.

[vinapu]

It's not the first polymer there ,  Thailand already had 2 different  emissions of 50 baht banknotes , in 1996 and 1997 but they are no longer circulating.

 

[Guest]

I think polymer bank notes are superb and stay in good condition for far longer than the paper ones.

When they are new, you just need to take extra care to separate them when counting them out.

 

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, z909 said:

I think polymer bank notes are superb and stay in good condition for far longer than the paper ones.

When they are new, you just need to take extra care to separate them when counting them out.

 

that's true but in earlier stages of polymer notes introduction some tropical countries ( Zambia, Nigeria nd indeed Thailand ), reported issues with color wearing out is humid climate way to soon , now solved with better technology.

[thaiophilus]

They have other failure modes, too. I had a key in my wallet which made a tiny nick in the edge of a Malaysian polymer note, and that was enough to start a tear.  Suddenly I had two half-notes. Fortunately the 7-11 had some tape...