MS Excel: BAHTTEXT function to convert Thai number to text

The BAHTTEXT function in Excel is a specialized function that was implemented to serve specific needs within Thailand’s financial and business practices. This function converts numbers into Thai language text, specifically for representing currency amounts in Baht (the official currency of Thailand). The need for this function arose from the practice of writing currency amounts in words for legal documents, checks, invoices, and contracts to prevent fraud and ensure clarity in financial transactions.

Before the implementation of this function, users often had to manually type out numbers in words or rely on complex formulas and third-party add-ins to achieve this. The introduction of the BAHTTEXT function streamlined this process, especially for businesses and organizations operating in Thailand.

It is worth noting that the BAHTTEXT function was added to Excel as part of the localization for Thailand. This allowed financial documents and reports to comply with Thai legal requirements, where numbers often need to be written out in text for formal documentation.

Syntax

=BAHTTEXT(number)

Parameter:

• number: The numeric value or a cell reference that contains the number to be converted into text.

Purpose of the BAHTTEXT Function

The BAHTTEXT function was specifically designed to automate the conversion of numeric values into text, in the context of Thai Baht currency. This function serves the following purposes:

1. Standardization: It ensures that all currency values are consistently represented in words, avoiding ambiguity.

2. Fraud Prevention: By converting numbers into text, it minimizes the risk of altering or modifying the written figures on official documents.

3. Legal Compliance: In many cases, financial documents in Thailand must have amounts written in text (in addition to numbers) for official purposes.

4. Simplification: The function eliminates the need for complex manual conversion processes or additional software.

When you use the BAHTTEXT function, it converts the given numeric value into a text string, following these steps:

1. Whole Numbers: The function writes the whole number in Thai language, followed by the word "Baht".

2. Decimal Numbers: If the number has decimals, it will convert the decimal portion into Satang (the fractional currency unit of Thailand), appending "Satang" after the Baht amount.

This function always outputs results in Thai language. While it works for local currency formatting in Thailand, the text output is not customizable into any other language. This is why users who need to localize documents in other languages cannot directly use the output in those contexts.

Example Use Cases

Example 1: Whole Number

=BAHTTEXT(1000)

This converts the number 1000 into text, representing “one thousand Baht”.

Example 2: Decimal Number

=BAHTTEXT(1250.75)

This converts the number 1250.75 into text, representing “one thousand two hundred fifty Baht and seventy-five Satang”.

Example 3: Using a Cell Reference

If cell A1 contains 3000.25, this formula:

=BAHTTEXT(A1)

Will convert the value 3000.25 into text as “three thousand Baht and twenty-five Satang”.

History and Implementation

The BAHTTEXT function was introduced as part of Excel's localization efforts for Thailand, likely in the early 2000s with versions such as Excel 2007 and Excel 2010. It was implemented in response to the specific needs of Thai financial systems, where it is required by law to write out amounts in full words (Baht and Satang) on certain official documents like checks, contracts, and invoices.

Prior to the function’s introduction, users in Thailand would need to manually write out numbers in text format or use custom-made macros or add-ins. The function became particularly helpful for businesses, government agencies, and financial professionals looking for an efficient way to standardize this process.

Summary

Feature	Detail
Function Name	BAHTTEXT
Purpose	Converts numbers into Thai text (currency)
Output Language	Thai language only
Available In	Excel 2007+, Excel 365, Web, Mac
Use Case	Thai financial documents, legal compliance

Limitations

• The output is fixed to Thai language only, and you cannot change the language of the result.

• It is only applicable to the Baht currency and does not support other currencies.

• The function cannot be customized for other purposes, such as formatting text or currency units in other ways.

Related Functions

Function	Purpose
TEXT	Formats numbers with custom text
DOLLAR	Converts numbers to currency format in English
NUMBERVALUE	Converts text to a number using locale settings
FIXED	Converts numbers to a fixed number of decimal places

Final Thoughts

The BAHTTEXT function is an invaluable tool for professionals working with financial documentation in Thailand. It automates the conversion of numbers into words, ensuring compliance with local regulations and preventing the risk of alterations in important financial documents.

If you're working with documents or reports in Thailand, this function is a must-have tool to streamline your workflows and ensure accuracy and clarity in your documents.