In Thailand, whether a damaged banknote is accepted for payment often depends on the discretion of individual vendors. While minor imperfections—such as small tears—typically do not hinder daily transactions, more serious damage may require an official exchange through banks, in accordance with guidelines set by the Bank of Thailand (BoT).
Under BoT policy, damaged banknotes may be exchanged at banks depending on the condition of the note. Several categories determine the eligibility for full or partial redemption:
- Banknotes with over 60% of the original note intact
If a banknote is only slightly damaged and clearly identifiable as genuine, it can be exchanged at full face value. No paperwork is necessary, and exchanges can be made at any Government Savings Bank (GSB) branch nationwide.
2. Halved banknotes
In cases where a note has been torn lengthwise into two parts, each piece may be redeemed for 50% of the note’s face value. This transaction requires submission of an application to bank staff.
3. Mismatched banknotes
Banknotes composed of two different halves but from the same denomination and series, possibly due to manufacturing errors, may also qualify for a full-value exchange.
4. Mutilated or partially missing banknotes
If more than half of a banknote remains and it is verifiably authentic, the note can be redeemed at full value, provided the damage was not intentional or due to misuse.
5. Faded or illegible banknotes
Banknotes that are still reasonably recognisable may also be exchanged at full value. This process requires an application and examination by banking staff.
6. Severely damaged banknotes (e.g. burned, chewed, mouldy, or stuck together)
These notes must be physically presented to bank officers along with a completed application form and, in some cases, supporting documents such as a police fire report. A copy of the applicant’s bank book is also required. If the note’s authenticity cannot be confirmed on site, it will be sent to the Bank of Thailand for further evaluation—a process that can take up to 60 days.
In addition to regular bank branches, the Bank of Thailand offers a Banknote Clinic—a mobile outreach service that rotates locations monthly to facilitate public access to damaged currency exchanges.
Members of the public may also exchange damaged notes at any commercial bank across the country, provided the notes meet the Bank of Thailand’s outlined criteria.
