Commemorative banknotes are issued for celebrating milestones in a nation’s lifetime. Deliberately designed, their artworks flaunt the honoured and revered persons, occasions and landmarks.

The Bank of Thailand has recognised this sentiment and its monetary gallery showcases a record number of 21 commemorative banknotes since 1987. Not only have they been released to earmark special occasions and felicitations but also issued in unusual denominations, unique shapes and sizes, as elaborate artworks with detailed storyboards.

Although they are not encouraged for daily exchange they do co-contribute to the acceptable legal tender, being rather sought after by the passionate collectors whilst also being popular with the citizens and general public that love to hold on to these national history messengers. Thanks to their demand and collectible value, they tend to lend themselves as tempting artifacts to counterfeiters. Their designs thus, need to perfectly blend art and security into the elaborate and intricate canvases.

This paper presentation visits the unique and fascinating Thai commemorative banknote gallery celebrating its diverse contributions of art and security woven into a myriad of inimitable designs.