Section 243 — Possessing counterfeit currency to circulate
English translation
Whoever, in order to circulate it, has in possession counterfeit or altered currency, knowing that it is counterfeit or altered, shall be liable to imprisonment from one year to fifteen years and a fine from twenty thousand baht to three hundred thousand baht.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
The elements are possession of counterfeit or altered currency, knowledge that it is counterfeit or altered, and a purpose of putting it into circulation. Both knowledge and the intent to circulate are essential, distinguishing this offence from the innocent holder who later passes fake money under Section 244. It carries the same one to fifteen year range as altering currency and sits between counterfeiting or importing on the one hand and passing on the other. Where the same person both counterfeits and holds the notes for circulation, the acts are generally treated as separate offences.
Why this matters in practice
The prosecution must prove both that the accused knew the currency was fake and that they held it intending to circulate it, so a genuine lack of knowledge or the absence of an intent to pass the money is a real defence. Exposure is one to fifteen years plus a fine. Merely holding notes that turn out to be counterfeit, without knowledge or intent to circulate, does not make out this offence. The quantity, packaging, and circumstances of possession are often used to infer both knowledge and purpose.
Frequently asked questions
What must be proven under Section 243?
That the accused possessed counterfeit or altered currency, knew it was fake, and held it in order to put it into circulation. All three elements are required.
What if I did not know the money was counterfeit?
Then Section 243 does not apply, because knowledge is an element. Passing money you only later discover is fake is dealt with more leniently under Section 244.