Nine subspecies of the Coppersmith Barbet are recognised.
These can be divided into two basic groups: Five subspecies have yellow around the eyes and throat; four subspecies have red around the eyes and throat.
Subspecies Megalaima haemacephala indica having the yellow face is found in large parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand.

1st, 2nd & 3rd photo: Lumphinipark, Bangkok, Thailand, 19 January 2013
4th & 5th photo: Koh Samet, Thailand, 17 December 2009