Thailand: Series 7 Special - 50 Baht "Mourning" notes

By signing the Anglo-Siamese treaty of 1909, Thailand relinquished its claims to sovereignty over 4 northern Malay states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. However in 1943, the Japanese occupying forces returned these territories to Thailand in appreciation of Thailand's willingness to free passage of Japanese troops.

The Thai government printed new 1 Dollar banknotes for use in these 4 Malay states. But since the Japanese had already issued their own Dollar and Cents banknotes in all of occupied Malaya, Thailand decided not to launch these notes. Later in 1945 these notes were changed to 50 Baht when Thailand faced a shortage of banknotes. They were withdrawn and were not accepted as legal tender from Dec 1946.

These banknotes are often referred to as the "Mourning" notes as they were overprinted with black bands. They are now extremely difficult to find in any condition.


Pick R1: 1 Dollar - never issued


Pick 62Ba : 50 Baht overprint issued 8th Feb 1945


Pick 62Bc : 50 Baht overprint issued 13th Feb 1945


Pick 62Bb : 50 Baht overprint issued 21st Feb 1945

All above images courtesy of www.siambanknotes.com.