Banks Packed Today - Rush To Buy New Banknotes

[george]

Banks packed as public rushes to buy commemorative banknotes

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents across the capital today called on the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to issue extra banknotes in honour of the 72nd birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, as they crowded out banks this morning to purchase the commemorative cash.

Branches of Siam Commercial Bank, the Government Savings Bank (GSB), the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) and the Government Housing Bank (GHB) have seen unprecedented levels of clients since the opening of reservations for the special banknotes, which celebrate the auspicious 6th cycle birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on 12 August.

Siam Commercial Bank has even had to set up special counters just to deal with requests for the commemorate notes.

A simple note in a folder costs Bt200, with purchasers required to put down a deposit of Bt100.

A more elaborate commemorative package, with the note in a silk purse, costs Bt390, with a deposit of Bt290.

The remainder of the money has to be paid on 4 August, when the bank notes will be issued.

Members of the public who rushed to banks today to reserve their notes said that they were purchasing them as presents for people they respected and for their children and grandchildren.

They also called on the BOT to issue more banknotes to mark Her Majesty the Queen's birthday, as well as issue banknotes for other special occasions.

-- TNA 2004-07-06

[lopburi3]

Perhaps some were but have never seen Bangkok Bank as empty as it was this morning. Almost a pleasant experience.