Thailand begins crackdown on beggars in tourist hotspots

By Hoang Vu June 13, 2024 | 02:00 am PT

People visit Benjakitti Park in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 15, 2022. Photo by Reuters

Thailand has stepped up its crackdown on beggars flooding in Bangkok’s streets and other busy tourist hotspots to protect its tourism reputation, as officials said they could earn 100,000 baht (US$2,725) a month.

Frequent crackdowns targeting street beggars will be conducted, Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said, as quoted by Nation Thailand.

Foreigners caught during the raids will be deported to their countries while locals will be taken to state-run protection centers and receive vocational training, the South China Morning Post reported.

Begging is considered illegal in Thailand.

Under Thai laws, begging can be punished by up to one-month imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 10,000 baht.

Last year, six Chinese beggars were deported for asking for money in tourist areas in Bangkok.