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It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected. For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It’s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit. During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the...
Thailand prides itself in the fact that it is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been a colony of another country. It also prides itself in its strong Buddhist tradition. Although Christianity was introduced to Thailand by European missionaries in the 16th century, Christians constituted only 0.7 percent (438,600) of the population by the year 2001. Portugal was the first country to send Christian missionaries to Thailand, in 1554. The French followed in 1660. Most of the early missionaries were Catholic, and by 1908, Thailand had approximately 50 Catholic schools with nearly 4,000 pupils. Today, approximately 25 percent of the Christian population is Roman...
The largest and most accessible island in Thailand, Phuket, lying off the South West coast, is also one of the most diverse and developed. It is blessed with a wealth of natural resources to entice the visitor. Lime stone cliffs, white sand beaches, rocky headlands, peaceful sweeping bays and a forested tropical interior. Alongside its natural assets Phuket has a range of accommodation and entertainment to offer something for everyone. Phuket island is about 850 kilometers South of Bangkok. The province covers 590 square kilometers including the additional 39 small islands. The main island itself covers about 540 kilometer square and measures 48 kilometers North to South and 21 kilometers...
The history of Thai currency – from ancient beads to modern baht
Author:
Eric Lim
The history of Thailand currency traces the evolution of the medium of exchange used in Thailand prior to the 1st century. This dates from the days of barter trade, ancient beads and money in various shapes and sizes till the currency in modern times.
Ancient beads, seeds, bracelets and pebbles used as a medium of exchange in the early days around 200 – 300 BC, have been discovered in Thailand, including old Roman copper coins dating back to 270 BC!
During the 1st – 7th centuries, metallic coins of the Funan Kingdom in Indochina made their appearance in Thailand, followed by Dvaravati coins in the 7th – 11th centuries. This was followed by a period in the history of Thai currency when money in different shapes and sizes from various places were in use.
Sandal wood flower coins or Dok Jan coins from the Sri Vijaya Kingdom in SE Asia were introduced in trade in the region in the 8th – 13th centuries. Cowrie shells and baked clay coins were also used from the pre- Sukhothai era until the reign of King Rama IV, when they were dropped from circulation.
From the 14th – 19th centuries, coins from the Lanna Kingdom in the northern Thailand embossed with various designs were also in circulation. Around the same period, 15th – 19th centuries, Lanchang, the kingdom in northeastern Thailand introduced silver and copper pieces in long and narrow boat shapes.
In the history of Thai currency, the money that was most enduring was Pot Duang or bullet money. This first appeared during the Sukhothai era, 13th – 14th centuries. Pot Duang money were hand-made coins. Metal strips were bent and folded into spheres very much like a bullet, thus the name, bullet money.
Bullet money was in circulation for 600 years from the Sukhothai era to Rattanakosin until its withdrawal from circulation in 1904 during the reign of King Rama V.
The most profound changes in the history of Thai currency occurred during the Rattankosin era in the reigns of King Rama IV and King Rama V. Standardized factory minted coins and printed bank notes were officially issued.
During the reign of King Rama IV, when foreign trade and diplomatic relations expanded, the paper money, in the form of royal promissory notes, was issued in 1853. These were followed by bank notes issued by the foreign to facilitate trade clearance.
In 1857, Queen Victoria of Britain presented Thailand with the first minting machine and the minting of the first Thai silver coins commenced. In 1858, a minting machine purchased from Britain and the Royal Mint was set up in the Grand Palace and the minting of coins went ahead full steam.
In the reign of King Rama IV, money was denominated in satang, tho, phi, padueng and baht.
During the reign of King Rama V, or King Chulalongkorn, coinage was streamlined. The numerous denominations were reduced to only two, satang and baht, based on the metric system, which remain till this day. Bank notes issued were in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 40,80, 100, 400 and 800 baht.
Today, the denominations have been streamlined to 25, 50 satang coins, 1, 5, 10 baht coins and 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht notes.
The history of Thai currency goes back more than 1,000 years, evolving from ancient beads and bracelets to the modern baht that's in current use.
The ancient beads, bullet money and old currencies can be viewed at the Bank of Thailand Museum in Bang Khun Phrom Palace within the premises of the Central Bank of Thailand.
About the Author This article first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author, Eric Lim, is a free-lance writer who lives in Bangkok Thailand.
BANKOK - SOME FACTS If you visit any destination in South East Asia, it may be imperative that you pass through Bangkok. Bangkok has a strange nature of evoking extreme sense of likes and dislikes amongst visitors. A few seem to loathe it while many others swear that it is the most wonderful, fascinating and exciting places on earth. Actually, Bangkok tends to be what a particular visitor wants it to be. Bangkok is a picture post-card haven with beautiful pagodas, pagodas and some of the world's finest hotels. Bangkok's renowned for it's nightlife in the Orient with an opportunity to savor some of world's most unique cuisines. Bangkok is a favorite and best shopping destination in South East Asia. Bangkok inhabitants are known as Thais and their friendly ways would flatter the snootiest traveler. Bangkok is all in all, a load of fun and games and a great way to enjoy a civilized vacation. Thailand's history emerges from the Bronze Age, whereas Bangkok, the capital is a young city founded in 1782. With a population of around 6 million, 50% of them are under 30. Bangkok lies on the banks of the river "Chao Phraya", a wonderful working waterway full of sampans, wide variety of boats and rice barges. Bangkok is a beautiful mix of the old and the new, the modern and the ancient evident from its skyline that comprises of Buddhist temples (wats), luxury hotels, high-rise office buildings and shopping malls making it a kaleidoscope. Under the thin veneer of new found Western influence you will find that the Thais are not devoid of traditional values. The sights of ubiquitous street food sellers, monks on morning begging rounds and women stringing jasmine blossoms on thread near wats will display the cultural heritage of Thailand that is not lost in the arc lights of...
E-Travel Blackboard - Found Sep. 6, 2010 BritAgent Specialist Programme, in Thailand. The BritAgent Specialist Programme is designed to provide specialized training to travel agents...
ABC News - Found Aug. 31, 2010 A teacher in Thailand loses his job after video shows him striking students. Thailand - Asia - Teacher - Travel and Tourism - Business and Economy
E-Travel Blackboard - Found Aug. 29, 2010 ... rice barge as you float by some of Bangkoks most famous attractions by night, said Hung Nguyen, luxury travel expert of Luxury Thailand Travel.
E-Travel Blackboard - Found Aug. 25, 2010 Luxury Travel Group (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) to Promote Affordable luxury travel in Thailand
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