Section 262 — Tools for forging seals, stamps or tickets
English translation
Whoever makes, or has in possession, any instrument or article for forging or altering a seal, a government stamp, or a ticket shall be liable to imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of twenty thousand to one 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
This is the preparatory offence for the whole Chapter, the counterpart for seals, stamps and tickets to the currency-tools offence. The elements are (1) making or possessing (2) an instrument or article (3) intended for forging or altering a seal, government stamp, or ticket. Like other preparatory offences, it is complete before any forged seal, stamp, or ticket is produced, allowing intervention at the equipment stage such as plates, dies, or printing apparatus. Intent that the tools serve forgery is essential, separating criminal possession from legitimate possession of printing or engraving equipment. Where the aim is to damage the State, Section 263 doubles the penalty.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is one to five years even where nothing was ever forged, because the law reaches the preparatory stage, and it is a non-compoundable State offence. The pivotal issue is intent: the prosecution must prove the tools were meant for forging seals, stamps, or tickets, not held for a lawful purpose. This count is frequently charged together with the completed forgery offences found in the same operation. Anyone facing it should obtain online consultation with a Thai lawyer before explaining the presence of any equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be prosecuted for possessing forging equipment even if nothing was forged?
Yes. Section 262 punishes making or possessing tools intended for forging seals, stamps, or tickets, regardless of whether any forged item was produced, with imprisonment of one to five years.
What must the prosecution prove for a Section 262 charge?
That the instrument or article existed and that it was intended for forging or altering a seal, government stamp, or ticket; lawful possession without that intent is not an offence.