BANGKOK, Thailand – A woman from Surat Thani has proudly displayed over 30 banknotes featuring Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the back, kept carefully as part of her personal collection. She believes the notes bring prosperity to her family and smooth sailing in her marriage and career.
On October 29, Mrs. Thidarat Meesri, 47, showed the 500-baht banknotes, which have King Rama IX on the front and Queen Sirikit on the back. These notes are kept in pristine condition and have never been used in daily transactions. The first note has been in her possession for over 13 years, serving as a “lucky money” charm according to Thai belief.
Mrs. Thidarat explained that her collection began around 2011 when her mother gave her one of these notes. She cherished the dual imagery of King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit, and kept it as a token of good fortune. At the time, she was working as a rubber plantation farmer.
After keeping the banknote as a lucky charm, her life began to change. By 2012, she had the opportunity to open a communications equipment shop. She continued collecting similar banknotes when customers handed them over, gradually amassing nearly 30 notes. Her business flourished, and her married life remained smooth.
Besides Mrs. Thidarat, her husband and mother also collect banknotes, ranging from 50 to 1,000 baht, as well as commemorative notes. The family has amassed several hundred banknotes in total, keeping them strictly for collection purposes. Their dedication has elevated them to the level of serious numismatists, and they plan to continue collecting as a tribute to their respect and loyalty to the Thai monarchy.
