Section 246 — Circulating debased coins
English translation
Whoever brings into the Kingdom, or has in possession in order to circulate, a coin made as described in Section 245 shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand baht, or both.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This section complements Section 245 by reaching those who import or hold for circulation coins that have been debased under that section, rather than those who did the debasing. The elements are either bringing such coins into the Kingdom or possessing them with intent to circulate. The penalty, up to five years, is lighter than for the act of debasing itself. It mirrors the structure used for banknotes, where possession for circulation is a separate offence from making the fake currency.
Why this matters in practice
Liability requires either importation or possession with the specific purpose of circulating the debased coins, so a purpose to put them into use must be shown, not mere possession. Exposure is up to five years, or a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both. As with Section 245, this is an uncommon charge in modern practice but remains available to prosecutors.
Frequently asked questions
What does Section 246 punish?
Bringing into the Kingdom, or possessing in order to circulate, coins that have been debased under Section 245. The penalty is up to five years, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Is mere possession of a debased coin enough?
No. Section 246 requires possession with the purpose of circulating the coin, or importing it. Possession without that purpose does not make out the offence.