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   Royal Thai Mint (bullet money staircase)

 

Thailand

The staircase at the Royal Thai Mint's Rohng Kasahp Rangsit complex in Pathum Thani has handrails that consist of elongated metal wire baskets filled with near baseball-sized replica photduang (fig.).

 

Due to its specific shape this former currency of Siam is known as bullet money. However, in Thai the word duang means ‘caterpillar’ and refers to its shape seen from the side that somehow resembles a curling caterpillar.

 

   Royal Thai Mint (bullet money staircase)

 

   Royal Thai Mint (bullet money staircase)

 

Bullet money was used for over 500 years and on the upper surface a state seal was pressed onto it and on the sides it showed the seal of the reigning King (fig.). As reigns changed, these seals were altered.

VIDEO TRAVEL PICTURE 1 TRAVEL PICTURE 2 PANORAMA PICTURE POSTAGE STAMP 1 POSTAGE STAMP 2 MAP LOCATION DIRECTIONS