The Evolution of Thai Money (วิวัฒนาการเงินตราไท) published by the Treasury Department of Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is an accessible guide to the development of the kingdom’s currency. Providing an overview of Thailand’s history and economic development, the progression of Thai coins are situated within their context. While the book does not catalog coins, it does provide several example pictures of different pod duang and their symbols along with other ancient and rare coins. A slim, dual-language book, it remains very accessible to those with a beginning interest in Thai coins or numismatics in general.

There are high quality photographs throughout displaying the details on a wide variety of coins. Of special interest are the coins from the Funan and Dvaravati periods. Namo money and Dok Chan money from the Srivijaya kingdom which encompassed southern Thailand are also briefly displayed. Pictures of other ancient coins include Lawa Bura coins, bia (cowrie shells), and the various coins found and used in northern Thailand (Lan Na kingdom) including Sycee money featuring Chinese characters, Tok money, Pak Moo money, Dok Mai money, Bai Mai money, and Chiang money. Coins used in the Lan Chang kingdom (modern day Lao P.D.R) including the long silver ingot currencies of Hang money, Tu money, and Hoi money are included. Being fairly comprehensive for its length, the book also includes E-pae coins used in Thailand’s southern (Malay) provinces.

The pod duang of Sukhothai, Ayudhya, Thonburi, and Rattanakosin (Chakri dynasty) are given a close look. The pod duang marks can be clearly seen and there are brief descriptions of their issues. Pod duang special issues are also included including various gold pod duang. Included with the history is a nice illustration of the equipment used to make pod duang and some notes on the penalties for counterfeiting (the loss of fingers!). The book continues with the introduction of flat coins and traces their development to the present including the introduction of commemorative coins.

The Evolution of Thai Money (ISBN: 974-7700-26-3) provides a great overview of Thailand’s currency from ancient times to the present. While not a catalog, it does provide a quick glance at history and some excellent photographs and details of older Thai coins. ( )