This image explains how people can identify the differences between the original 50,000-kip note (below) and the counterfeit note (above) of the 2004 version. --Photo Bokeo Radio and Television Station.

Central bank issues warning about counterfeit notes

The Bank of Lao PDR (BOL), the nation’s central bank, has warned members of the public to be aware of the unlawful distribution of forged notes.
Following the recent distribution of counterfeit 50,000-kip notes of the 2004 edition in the northern part of Laos, especially Bokeo province, the BOL cautioned the people through a notification issued on April 26.
The forged notes detected by the authorities bore serial numbers from AZ 0218001 to AZ 0218999. The fake notes were printed by using a special printing machine, and had a colourful pattern similar to the original 50,000-kip note of the 2004 version. However, they are different from fake banknotes detected in recent years.
Therefore, before accepting and paying with 50,000-kip notes of the 2004 version, people should carefully study the details of the notes. The BOL highlighted the characteristics of the real notes in an appendix attached to the notification.
The BOL also sought the cooperation and coordination of the public and said they should provide further information if any suspicious cases are found. The central bank advised people to contact the Currency Issuing Department at (020) 58007361 and (020) 59999632) in all such cases.
The BOL also provided details of how people can contact its branches  in the northern regions of the country. The branch in Oudomxay province can be contacted at (856-81) 260012, the branch in Luang Prabang province can be contacted at (856-71) 260700, and the branch in Xieng Khuang province can be contacted at (856-61) 26 0030.
It also provided details for BOL branches in the central region. The branch in Savannakhet province can be contacted at (856-41) 260305. In  the southern region, the branch in Champassak province can be contacted at (031) 214129.
People can also report the detection of forged notes at various commercial banks nationwide.
The central bank is cooperating with the relevant authorities to quickly implement measures as defined in the laws of Laos to take action against the group of people creating chaos and breaking the law by circulating counterfeit notes.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 30, 2024)