Crowds flock to scoop up King Rama X coins, notes
Large numbers of people across the country flocked to obtain the first coins and banknotes depicting His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun to go into circulation on Chakri Memorial Day yesterday.
The coins were available at the Treasury Department, and eight other locations across the country, while the banknotes were available at state and commercial banks and at ATM machines.
According to Treasury Department director-general Patchara Anuntasilpa, a total of 75 million coins in six denominations valued at 211 million baht were available for circulation from yesterday.
In Bangkok, the public can obtain the coins at two locations: the department’s main office in Phaya Thai district and the Bureau of Monetary’s Coin Exchanging Centre on Chakrabongse Road in Phra Nakhon district.
Seven locations outside the capital were the Royal Thai Mint in Pathum Thani and the six provincial treasury offices in Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani and Songkhla.
Mr Patchara said special sets of coins were also available.
Each set comprises coins valued at 10 baht, 5 baht, 2 baht, 1 baht, 50 satang and 25 satang.
The maximum number of sets each individual could buy at one time yesterday was limited to 1,005 baht in total value.
All the new coins are now officially in circulation.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Thailand yesterday launched the first series of new banknotes featuring His Majesty in three denominations — 20, 50 and 100 baht. The new 500- and 1,000-baht banknotes will be available from July 28, the King’s birthday.