Bangkok: Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, visited Sukhumvit Road in the Watthana District to address ongoing concerns regarding foreign and child beggars. The governor emphasized the urgency of tackling the issue of foreign child beggars, which has multifaceted impacts, particularly on the welfare of children brought into the country for begging, their lack of education, and the potential negative image it projects of Thailand's acceptance of such activities.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok governor is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to address these challenges, as the MSDHS holds significant responsibility under the Begging Control Act of 2016. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) serves as the local authority in this collaboration. The Department of Local Administration and the Watthana District Office have been actively engaged in crackdowns, recently identifying two Cambodian mothers and their children involved in begging. Investigations revealed that these individuals were part of a group residing on the city's outskirts and commuting to beg within the city, having entered the country illegally through natural border crossings facilitated by brokers charging 4,000 baht per person.
Efforts by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security include working with the Immigration Bureau to apprehend and deport illegal beggars, conducting DNA tests to verify familial relationships, and enforcing relevant legal measures. The governor clarified that begging, whether by Thai nationals or foreigners, is illegal, contrasting it with street performances which are permissible through legal channels such as obtaining a talent identification card.
Governor Sittipunt stressed the importance of sending a clear message internationally that Thailand is not a haven for illegal begging activities. He urged for legal work opportunities that provide welfare and education for children, thereby preventing long-term societal issues. He also called on the public to refrain from giving money to beggars, as this can perpetuate the problem, and reminded that providing shelter to beggars may constitute a legal violation. The public is encouraged to report any known locations of foreign beggars to authorities through platforms like Traffy Fondue.