Cash Reserves for Songkran Exceed 160 Billion Baht

      During this Songkran festival, there's no need to worry about running out of money if you still have funds in the bank. Many commercial banks have announced that they have prepared cash reserves for services at branches and ATMs nationwide during the Songkran festival from April 12-16, 2018. In total, the cash reserves from each bank amount to approximately 160 billion baht.

  • Kasikorn Bank has reserved 32 billion baht, with 9.8 billion baht at branches and 22.2 billion baht at K-ATMs.
  • Bangkok Bank has reserved 36 billion baht and waived ATM withdrawal fees for cross-region transactions and transfers from April 1-30, 2018.
  • SCB has reserved 36 billion baht, with 18 billion baht in Bangkok and 18 billion baht in other provinces.
  • Krung Thai Bank has reserved 26.4 billion baht, with 7.23 billion baht in Bangkok and 19.2 billion baht in other provinces.
  • Krungsri has reserved 21 billion baht, an increase of 9% from the actual cash used by customers during the 2017 Songkran, with 16 billion baht at Krungsri ATMs and 5 billion baht at branches.
  • CIMB Thai Bank has reserved 350 million baht through ATMs, a 20% increase from normal levels.
  • Land and Houses Bank has reserved 200 million baht through ATMs.

      The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is preparing new banknotes of the 10th reign worth over 25 billion baht. Mr. Woraporn Tangsongkasak, Assistant Governor of the Banknote Issuing Department at the BOT, stated that during mid-April, coinciding with the Songkran festival, the demand for banknotes from the public is expected to be higher than usual. Therefore, it is estimated that financial institutions will withdraw banknotes from the BOT about one week before the festival, amounting to 25 billion baht, similar to the same period last year. The BOT has prepared various denominations of banknotes to meet the demand adequately.

Additionally, the BOT will introduce new banknotes in denominations of 20 baht, 50 baht, and 100 baht starting from Chakri Day on April 6. This day is a public holiday, and the public can withdraw the new banknotes at financial institution branches that are open on holidays or at ATMs. The BOT will gradually circulate the new banknotes in the system continuously.