The Best New Commemorative Banknote accolade was presented jointly this year to both the Bank of Thailand and China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPM).

The Bank of Thailand was awarded for its 100 baht commemorative banknote, issued to celebrate HM King Rama X’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July. Designed in a vertical format, in common with other commemorative notes issued to celebrate royal milestones, and to distinguish it from circulating banknotes, the note is legal tender.

The front of the banknote depicts His Majesty wearing the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao breast chain, in addition to ‘Yellow Star’ flowers (or ruang phueng), his symbolic flower . The back features a standing portrait of the King holding a sword, as well as an image of ratchaphruek, the national flower.

A window printed with special golden ink outlines the white-coloured Garuda (state emblem) on both sides, whilst a Thai diamond-shaped ornament clear window has a partial pattern of yellow star flower with special ink printed in the center. The pattern moves and colour changes from gold to green when the note is tilted.

A clear octagon-shaped window features an embossed tiny bullet-wood flower in addition to the Thai denomination which has been printed with four transparent horizontal raised lines, with features provided to aid the visually impaired in detecting the banknote.

The Bank of Thailand issued 10 million commemorative banknotes, in addition to 2 million banknote display sleeves, with the latter available to purchase at 10 baht each and all proceeds presented to the King for royal charities at his discretion.