Viral “begpacker” photos from Pattaya Beach Road cause polarizing debate on social media

[Jonathan Swift]

Much ado about nothing. They're doing no harm. So what if they're not working as hard as some think they ought to, it's nobody's business. I think wanting to travel the world is an admirable ambition, and I respect that. 

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, 2baht said:

How times change, I funded my travels when I was younger by working and saving, crazy hey!

The problem is they work to fund travel.. arrive in Thailand and find they can't work.

[brianthainess]

On 9/13/2022 at 8:09 AM, bunnydrops said:

Nothing new. I've seen travelers selling things they make, singing, performing acts for money in every country I have been in.

Yep 30 years ago the same, all over the world, from home made jewellery in India to Sarongs in Australia, cigarette lighters in UK, nothing new, but Thailand and social media like to slag foreigners off. At least he's not getting pished all day good luck to him and his self funded travels. This Is not begging ! 

[brianthainess]

5 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

Much ado about nothing. They're doing no harm. So what if they're not working as hard as some think they ought to, it's nobody's business. I think wanting to travel the world is an admirable ambition, and I respect that. 

IMO the best education in the world, is traveling around it. Learn and see how people survive poverty, then you will too if needed.

[jacko45k]

6 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

This Is not begging ! 

Nor is it included in the permissions of a tourist visa or exempt entry. Still blocking the pavement.

Perhaps they could help clear the drains in Nong Plalai for 300 baht/day.

[bendejo]

Probably meets a lot of women.  At least he can be sure she's not a gold digger.

 

 

[harrycallahan]

He needs to learn no honey no money. 

[JayBird]

On 9/13/2022 at 8:25 AM, Gecko123 said:

I think foreigners including the press should keep their nose out of this issue.

 

What people don't realize is that much of the charm of Thailand comes from the diversity of the people who are attracted to the country and its welcoming people. Not all of Thailand's mystery and charm is homegrown. Look at the way Khaosan road's 'crossroads of the world' charm has been obliterated in the process of cleaning it up. Who goes there any more? It's appeal these days seems to be largely nostalgic.

 

Get rid of all these so-called 'unwelcome' elements and what are you left with? In the interests of not offending anyone, I'll refrain from answering that question, but a clue might be found in the bathroom mirror. And by the way, to all the cannabis enthusiasts out there, do you really think that decriminalization is not going to attract a certain (perhaps large) number of these free-spirited vagabond type tourists? Whether the cops succeed in preventing them from setting up sidewalk vending operations remains to be seen, but something tells me beach side resorts like Pattaya might see a lot more of this type of tourist in the future.

I find the broken sidewalks, hanging wires, flooded streets, and dangerous driving charming too.  Let's not change those too?

 

I found Thailand more charming before they let planes in packed with tourists.  Let's go back to that?

 

 

 

 

[Accidental Tourist]

Just pathetic...this happen ALL over the world for century's and know one cares; only makes the front-page in Thailand and asiannow. Nothing else to do?

[overherebc]

On 9/13/2022 at 9:04 AM, 2baht said:

No, they have gold chains!

You mean gold coloured chains with easy grab handles. ????????

[overherebc]

5 hours ago, hotchilli said:

The problem is they work to fund travel.. arrive in Thailand and find they can't work.

Fair point.

[Tropposurfer]

Is it not entirely illegal to earn any income in LOS unless you have a specific visa permitting you to work and earn said income? 

[overherebc]

43 minutes ago, Tropposurfer said:

Is it not entirely illegal to earn any income in LOS unless you have a specific visa permitting you to work and earn said income? 

And a work permit helps.

[Bundooman]

On 9/13/2022 at 8:08 AM, cyril sneer said:

what's he doing in Pattaya? shouldn't he be in Bangkok or Chiang Mai?

No, it's OK - you keep him there. Bangkok and Chiang Mai don't want him!

[jacko45k]

20 hours ago, JayBird said:

I found Thailand more charming before they let planes in packed with tourists.  Let's go back to that?

How did you get here?

[Dexxter]

On 9/13/2022 at 11:14 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

I'm sure it's against your visa requirements. 

 

Deport. 

 

Maybe he has a work permit and an Elite Visa. ????

[Celsius]

Begpacking article is featured today on CNN. I am sure I can not link it, otherwise.....

[Rimmer]

This is ten month old news

[Jingthing]

I could care less what this latter day broke ass hippie "sells" on the beach.

Live and let leave.

[billd766]

On 9/13/2022 at 12:08 PM, shackleton said:

Well at least he is making a attempt  to make money .to

fund his travel ????

 

Could have taken the easy way out on a  Gofundme 

 

There would be people who would no doubt contribute to his cause 

 

I will happily contribute to his cause if anybody has change for a 25 satang piece.

[brewsterbudgen]

3 hours ago, Rimmer said:

This is ten month old news

Maybe he's still there!  

[hioctane]

On 6/1/2023 at 4:29 AM, Sticky Rice Balls said:

I used to sell food at night market with a shared table with a thai girl

 

i help my thai buddy sell stuff at market.....i dont get paid...just helping out...

 

You will get deported. There was an article about it a while back. You can’t even help a wife in her restaurant even if unpaid.

[phetphet]

On 9/13/2022 at 7:35 AM, roo860 said:

Well done young man, a budding entrepreneur!

Selling them at one Baht? He won't make much at that rate.

[NativeBob]

That sod is doing fine - he teaches social in school near bridge 2 lard prao.

Also, that ^^^ was not out of desperation - rather a bet with his fellows. and he won. he also did the same at khao san in 2018: singing LZ songs for pocket change. 

[JimTripper]

On 9/13/2022 at 8:09 AM, bunnydrops said:

Nothing new. I've seen travelers selling things they make, singing, performing acts for money in every country I have been in.

It causes a big stir in thailand because a foreigner is doing something other then being in a bar and drinking. Any gesture of individuality is seen as a threat.

[brianthainess]

So if one has something to sell you need a work permit? Ridicules. he is not blocking the footpath at all. But why do these old threads keep turning up here? 

[BangkokReady]

On 9/13/2022 at 8:25 AM, Gecko123 said:

Get rid of all these so-called 'unwelcome' elements and what are you left with? In the interests of not offending anyone, I'll refrain from answering that question, but a clue might be found in the bathroom mirror.

What's wrong with Thailand being populated with handsome, intelligent young men? ????

[BangkokReady]

12 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

So if one has something to sell you need a work permit? Ridicules. he is not blocking the footpath at all. But why do these old threads keep turning up here? 

It gets the "anti-foreigner foreigners" going...

[mockingbird]

1 hour ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

If youre not living on the edge youre taking up too much space.....life is risk amirite.

 ????

Selling beads on beach road is 'living on the edge' ?  You daredevil you.

[jaideedave]

On 9/13/2022 at 9:25 AM, Gottfrid said:

Why? In reality he is breaking the Thai labour law.

Asking people to fund his pleasure of travelling around the world, when there are people not having food for the day. That´s just plain egoistic and lazy. Better for him to get deported, and go home make enough money to travel.

The last time I was at the Canadian Embassy in BKK using the lift to leave a 30 ish looking guy got in at the same time. After a brief "hi there" he proceeded to ask me if I could spare and money to give him.It was a long few minutes for both of us on the ride down. I was taken aback as I'd never had this happen to me before inside an Embassy. I felt really bad for not donating to his cause (for about 5 seconds)