King Rama X coins, notes to debut on April 6

New coins featuring King Rama X will go into circulation on April 6. Samples from left: 10, 5, 2 and 1 baht and 50 satang. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The first coins to be issued marking the reign of King Rama X will be put into circulation on April 6, Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said on Wednesday.

The new coins would replace existing coins, which were exiting the economy. Collectors were aware that the old coins would not be reproduced, he said. It would take 4-5 years to replace most existing coins

The new coins bearing the portrait of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will be in nine denominations: 10, 5, 2 and 1 baht as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 satang.

His Majesty the King had approved their circulation, which would start on April 6, Chakri Memorial Day, when the first series of banknotes marking the reign of King Rama X would be also debuted, Mr Apisak said.

The new coins are the same size and weight as existing equivalent King Rama IX coins, to prevent problems with vending machines, he said.

Coins with denominations of less than 25 satang will not be put into general circulation. They will be used for accounting purposes among government organisations, he said.