Cambodia Unveils Redesigned High-Value Riel Banknotes

Cambodia's central bank has received approval to release updated versions of its 50,000 and 100,000 riel notes, which will circulate alongside the current denominations. Prime Minister Hun Manet endorsed the new designs on September 25.

The redesign does not represent an increase in money supply, according to economics professor Duch Darin. Instead, it reflects growing demand for riel usage within the domestic economy. "The move supports Cambodia's broader effort to make the riel a more practical currency for everyday transactions," he explained.

Ly Sideth, the National Bank of Cambodia's head of currency operations, noted that the updated notes retain their fundamental appearance while incorporating enhanced features. Both denominations have been in circulation for over a decade—the 50,000-riel note since 2014 and the 100,000-riel note since 2013.

The redesign addresses two primary objectives: modernizing banknotes that have aged in circulation and strengthening their security measures against counterfeiting. Updated security features include a holographic strip displaying the Cambodian royal emblem, designed to prevent removal and reuse on other denominations. The new notes display denominations in both Khmer and Latin numerals with improved color differentiation for digit grouping, larger Latin characters, and—on the 100,000-riel note—a crescent-shaped element created with specialized ink.