Thailand to sanitise coins, banknotes, issue new cash

BANGKOK, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Ministry of Finance on Wednesday (April 1) said the Treasury Department will release new coins and collect old ones for a thorough cleanup to help stem the spread of Covid-19.

"In Thailand, cash is the main source of transactions. People still carry cash with them to buy food and items," said Yuttana Yimgarund, director-general of the department.

"The virus can stick onto old coins for 5-7 days and with banknotes for 9 days," said Yuttana, adding that they will use ultraviolet light at 200 degrees Celsius to sanitise the old coins and banknotes.

Yuttana said people can still use detergent to wash and dry coins under the sunlight or use alcohol to clean them.

"The government would like to encourage all Thais to make payments through online channels and money transfers," he said, noting that the Treasury Department will be releasing 31 billion coins in the meantime.

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday reported 120 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths, sending the total number of confirmed cases to 1,771 and death toll at 12. - Xinhua