Cambodia Unveils New 50,000 and 100,000 Riel Banknotes

The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued new 50,000-riel (about US$12.5) and 100,000-riel (roughly US$25) banknotes, according to two separate sub-decrees issued on Friday. The new 50,000-riel and 100,000-riel banknotes will circulate alongside existing banknotes from the date of the announcement, underlined the sub-decrees signed by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. According to separate Prakas (official announcements) issued by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), the 50,000-riel banknote measures 155 mm in length and 72 mm in width, with dark yellow and brown as its dominant colours. The 100,000-riel banknote measures 170 mm in length and 75 mm in width, with green and grey as its dominant colours. The front of the 50,000-riel banknote features a portrait of Former King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk (Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh) and a seven-headed naga statue. The back features Bakong Temple in the Roluos temple complex and a picture of a young elephant modelled after a stone carving at Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province. The 100,000-riel banknote features portraits of Former King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, along with a nine-headed naga statue on the front. The back features images of Former King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, as well as a standing Garuda King displaying his power, modelled after a stone carving at Preah Khan Temple in Siem Reap province. Both new banknotes bear special symbols for visually impaired persons and feature a 10-mm hologram incorporating advanced technology and high-level security standards, pointed out the NBC.