Tourists Frustrated: Pattaya's Persistent Foreign Beggar Problem

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Tourists in Pattaya, particularly around the notorious Walking Street, are voicing frustration over the persistent presence of foreign beggars. These beggars, many using young children to solicit sympathy and money from visitors, have become a familiar yet unwelcome sight. Despite crackdowns by local authorities, the issue persists, frustrating both tourists and residents.

 

The beggars, often accompanied by children, either sell small items or directly ask for cash. Refusal often leads to uncomfortable encounters, with some beggars resorting to physical tactics like clinging to tourists. Observers note these groups are sizeable, and they strategically utilise the children's innocence to encourage donations. The bustling Walking Street is not the only area affected; the problem extends to other tourist hotspots in the city.

 

 

 

Calls for decisive action from local enforcement have intensified, highlighting concerns over the exploitation of minors in these operations. Such exploitation could have dire long-term effects on the children's safety and well-being.

 

Efforts to enhance Pattaya's image and address the issue have so far been ineffective, leaving many disillusioned. With the issue still unresolved, demands for a lasting solution are growing ever louder, underscoring the urgent need for more effective interventions, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-18

 

 

[mikeymike100]

So another 'profession' only allowed for Thais? A few days ago the RTP were rounding up foreign prostitutes posted on AN

[hotchilli]

On 3/18/2025 at 6:31 PM, snoop1130 said:

Despite crackdowns by local authorities, the issue persists, frustrating both tourists and residents.

Under cover cops are the answer [minus the regimental hair-cut], a dead giveaway

[JJ-Thailand]

Pattaya has turned into a shi**ole.

[rumeaug]

29 minutes ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Pattaya has turned into a shi**ole.

Yep. Badly. CSH = Confirmed <deleted> Hole

[Aussie999]

2 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Pattaya has turned into a shi**ole.

It, let me Phuket, have been for quite a few years.

[Aussie999]

Question... How do tourists know they are foreign beggars... Or is this just poor reporting.

Begging won't stop, because, and I only guess  the boys in brown either run it, or get kick backs. Am I suggesting they are corrupt... 555... Hell yeah

[Yagoda]

2 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Pattaya has turned into a shi**ole.

"turned"

 

I was born ugly. I didnt turn that way, I just got more.

[jcmj]

Pattaya was once a small seaside town. That was so long ago. Looking back at photos from the late 60’s to the mid 80’s, you’d never believe that this is Pattaya now.  It really once was a beautiful place. Sadly we can’t turn back time. 

[Ben Zioner]

On 3/20/2025 at 8:26 AM, mikeymike100 said:

foreign prostitutes

That's a pleonasm in Thailand, as there are no Thai prostitutes.

[jas007]

People make money begging and so it will continue, until someone puts a stop to it.  

 

I've seen little kids selling gum in go go bars at 3AM.  Where are the parents?  

 

Usually, the beggars just sit around on the sidewalk, maybe with a little kid.  I never give them money because I figure it's all part of a criminal enterprise and the woman or the little kid won't get any of the money, anyway. 

[KhunBENQ]

On 3/18/2025 at 6:31 PM, snoop1130 said:

have become

has been since decades!

I even found that it has become less than in the 2010s.

[MalcolmB]

On 3/20/2025 at 8:26 AM, mikeymike100 said:

So another 'profession' only allowed for Thais? A few days ago the RTP were rounding up foreign prostitutes posted on AN

Foreigners need work permits.

Thais don’t.

Stop complaining. Their country, their rules. 
If you don’t like it, then leave.

[MalcolmB]

On 3/20/2025 at 11:30 AM, Yagoda said:

"turned"

 

I was born ugly. I didnt turn that way, I just got more.

Absolute garbage.

It was known as the Pearl of Asia.

 

Now known more for pearl necklaces. 

[mikeymike100]

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

Foreigners need work permits.

Thais don’t.

Stop complaining. Their country, their rules. 
If you don’t like it, then leave.

"Stop complaining. Their country, their rules. 
If you don’t like it, then leave."

Where was I complaining, where did I say I don't like it? I was stating FACTS obviously you need 👓

[safarimike11]

3 hours ago, jas007 said:

People make money begging and so it will continue, until someone puts a stop to it.  

 

I've seen little kids selling gum in go go bars at 3AM.  Where are the parents?  

 

Usually, the beggars just sit around on the sidewalk, maybe with a little kid.  I never give them money because I figure it's all part of a criminal enterprise and the woman or the little kid won't get any of the money, anyway. 

My first holiday in Thailand (before I relocated here) was in Bangkok Christmas / New Year 2003. I was staying in Suk. soi 22. Being as I booked half-board, I used to walk down the soi to Suk. and cross over a pedestrian bridge to the other side of the road where there was a Japanese supermarket - and get something to make lunch. However, every time I walked off or walked the bridge to that side of the road, there was a beggar seated on the pavement by the bottom of the steps. Initially, I would give them some change - until a few days later I noticed that every time I went to buy something, I needed to break a note. Therefore, that was when I stopped giving money to beggars and also these so-called charity chuggers you find when you come out of a Big C Superstore. However, when I was waiting to do a U Turn last night, there was a teenager on the verge selling those clear plastic bags of mini flavoured milk. Being as I was waiting for the lights, I called him over and handed him a 20 baht note - signaling him that I didn't want to buy anything and that the note was for him. Much to my surprise, he said "Thank you so much" in perfect English. I also always tip the gas attendant 10 or 20 baht - depending on what's handy. Moral of the story, I will always try to help people who help themselves.

[jas007]

3 minutes ago, safarimike11 said:

My first holiday in Thailand (before I relocated here) was in Bangkok Christmas / New Year 2003. I was staying in Suk. soi 22. Being as I booked half-board, I used to walk down the soi to Suk. and cross over a pedestrian bridge to the other side of the road where there was a Japanese supermarket - and get something to make lunch. However, every time I walked off or walked the bridge to that side of the road, there was a beggar seated on the pavement by the bottom of the steps. Initially, I would give them some change - until a few days later I noticed that every time I went to buy something, I needed to break a note. Therefore, that was when I stopped giving money to beggars and also these so-called charity chuggers you find when you come out of a Big C Superstore. However, when I was waiting to do a U Turn last night, there was a teenager on the verge selling those clear plastic bags of mini flavoured milk. Being as I was waiting for the lights, I called him over and handed him a 20 baht note - signaling him that I didn't want to buy anything and that the note was for him. Much to my surprise, he said "Thank you so much" in perfect English. I also always tip the gas attendant 10 or 20 baht - depending on what's handy. Moral of the story, I will always try to help people who help themselves.

Last time I was in Bangkok, a woman was walking up and down Soi 4 trying to sell baby wipes, of all things.  Maybe that's all she had to sell?  I didn't need any baby wipes, but I bought some from her and then told her to keep them.  

[Nick Carter icp]

On 3/20/2025 at 11:16 AM, Aussie999 said:

Question... How do tourists know they are foreign beggars... Or is this just poor reporting.

Begging won't stop, because, and I only guess  the boys in brown either run it, or get kick backs. Am I suggesting they are corrupt... 555... Hell yeah

 

   I doubt very much whether anyone else gets a cut of the money , they hardly make any money at all 

[Aussie999]

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   I doubt very much whether anyone else gets a cut of the money , they hardly make any money at all 

Do you live in Thailand, if you do, then you should know how the gravy train works.

[Nick Carter icp]

5 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Do you live in Thailand, if you do, then you should know how the gravy train works.

 

   I did become acquainted with one of the street beggars , even went back to their house once .

   They used to hide from the Police , they didn't pay the police off , they used to get just enough to barely survive