File photo for reference only

 

In a recent crackdown, Pattaya immigration police arrested a group of Cambodian nationals accused of using children and individuals with disabilities to solicit money from tourists. The operation followed numerous complaints from locals and visitors concerned about the impact on Pattaya's image.

 

Undercover officers, disguised as tourists, conducted surveillance in popular tourist areas, where they observed several adults accompanied by children and disabled individuals soliciting funds. The operation led to the arrest of seven adults—five women and two men—alongside eight young girls aged three to ten, allegedly used to garner sympathy from the public.

 

The suspects admitted to begging in crowded tourist areas, earning daily amounts between 300 to 500 baht. They resided in rented accommodations in Si Racha district, travelling daily to Pattaya for this purpose. Some had lived in Thailand for over ten years, with their children enrolled in local schools.

 

All suspects have been taken to Pattaya police station for processing. Authorities confirmed they will face legal proceedings prior to eventual deportation, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the city's reputation and uphold law and order for residents and tourists alike.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-15

 

 

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Undercover officers, disguised as tourists conducted surveillance in popular tourist areas 

I saw these guys in Windmill agogo the other night. 

Looking sharp, keeping an eye out for Cambodian beggers 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The impact on Pattaya's image.

My wife and unborn child are shocked at the suggestion Pattaya has an image.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

concerned about the impact on Pattaya's image

Why the concern? Looks like a family to me. Fits right in the family resort:

 

2 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

Why the concern? Looks like a family to me. Fits right in the family resort:

 

Reserved occupation...

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

All suspects have been taken to Pattaya police station for processing. Authorities confirmed they will face legal proceedings prior to eventual deportation, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the city's reputation and uphold law and order for residents and tourists alike.

It is about time the police there did something about this problem. Sad to say that it won't make a difference. There will be others to replace them. Thai women holding someone elses crying baby to get you to give money. Handicapped begging for money so they can return to the company that hired them and give them most of the money got for that day. Plus various other scams of typical begging. 

Entirely correct. Begging etc should be an activity reserved for Thais.

 

I remember the guy who was missing a foot and would drag himself prostrate along the pavement in Sukhumvit (BKK) while pushing a begging bowl in front of him. Initially I was horrified at his plight so would give him some coins, then I wondered why he just didn't use crutches or a wheelchair...

 

I usually try to give some money to those who look down on their luck, especially the elderly, but I have had a long standing principle of ignoring anyone begging with a child. 

 

I don't know if true, but I was told that the very young children are rented out and frequently doped up with some sort of medication to make them sleep for long periods. 

The operation followed numerous complaints from locals and visitors concerned about the impact on Pattaya's image.

 

Which kind of Image they are worrying about losing?

 

6 hours ago, wombat said:

My wife and unborn child are shocked at the suggestion Pattaya has an image.

You ought to get out more! Especially in Pattaya.  Its not just Soi Buakhao. 

4 hours ago, black tabby12345 said:

The operation followed numerous complaints from locals and visitors concerned about the impact on Pattaya's image.

 

Which kind of Image they are worrying about losing?

 

The one that is attracting millionaires and 5 star residents 

Inappropriate comments and responses to them have been removed.

5 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Entirely correct. Begging etc should be an activity reserved for Thais.

 

Poverty and begging are very sad: That people on this forum make light of the subject is rather depressing. One just hopes that none of them ever suffer from real poverty themselves. They might reconsider their ill thought out comments.

1 hour ago, Magictoad said:

Poverty and begging are very sad: That people on this forum make light of the subject is rather depressing. One just hopes that none of them ever suffer from real poverty themselves. They might reconsider their ill thought out comments.

Any country would be rightly concerned to find foreign beggars on it's streets. It's objectives should be to improve the lives of those of it's own citizens who are impoverished.

19 hours ago, RuamRudy said:

I remember the guy who was missing a foot and would drag himself prostrate along the pavement in Sukhumvit (BKK) while pushing a begging bowl in front of him. 

 

.Oh yes the crawler who was always near the Beer Garden Soi ! Now a super modern office block?

 

3 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

 

Had the nickname of 'The slug' amongst the locals IIRC!

17 hours ago, Magictoad said:

You ought to get out more! Especially in Pattaya.  Its not just Soi Buakhao. 

Where is this soi buakhao you seem familiar with?

I have no knowledge. 

5 minutes ago, wombat said:

Where is this soi buakhao you seem familiar with?

I have no knowledge. 

And yet so prompt to make comment in the thread!

On 5/17/2025 at 8:38 AM, jacko45k said:

And yet so prompt to make comment in the thread!

My ignorance was bliss untill I got inquisitive, why do you ask, do you know?