Residents in Patong, Phuket, are urging authorities to take firm action after a foreign man was seen walking with his young son and begging for money from tourists. The incident, reported on 5 May 2026, has caused distress among locals and visitors, raising concerns about social issues in a major tourist area.

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The footage was shared by the Facebook page “Hod Jung Changwat Phuket”, showing the man holding his child’s hand while approaching tourists and tuk-tuk drivers for money along Thaweewong Road in Patong, Kathu district. The post stated that tuk-tuk drivers could no longer tolerate the situation and called on relevant agencies to act urgently, describing it as a growing social problem.

In the video, the foreign man is seen moving through the busy tourist area with the child, believed to be his son, directly asking passers-by for money. The behaviour has reportedly made many people in the area uncomfortable, including local workers and business operators who rely on tourism.

Following the clip’s circulation online, numerous social media users commented that they had witnessed similar behaviour on multiple occasions. Many expressed concern that such incidents reflect wider social challenges in key tourist destinations like Patong, which could affect the area’s long-term image if left unaddressed.

The reaction from the public has focused on the need for concrete enforcement and intervention by authorities. Locals are calling for stricter monitoring and appropriate measures to prevent similar cases, particularly where children are involved, due to potential welfare concerns.

The daily News reported that officials have not yet publicly outlined specific actions in response to this incident. However, the growing attention online is likely to increase pressure on relevant agencies to investigate and implement measures to manage the issue more effectively.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 6 May 2026

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Just now, fdimike said:

I wonder just what kind of visa he has?

How is that relevant?

Just now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Just now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Just now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Probably RUSSIAN ??

It's tragic but no surprise as there is so much <deleted> going on in the world at the moment.

It's tragic but no surprise as there is so much <deleted> going on in the world at the moment.

no money in it for them so unless a big media coverage unlikely to be any action

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Quite common everywhere, in US, EU and other countries except Thailand maybe. In EU there are East European gangs, most Sinti and Roma, who are begging very successful and exploit social systems at the same time.

Legit Eastern European gangsters don't beg. They have more dignity than that. They are involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, protection, gambling, etc -standard organized crime.

It's the gypsies (or whatever they are called nowadays). Gypsy groups do the begging, pick pockets, run cons, etc. They're thick as flies even in Silicon Valley begging in every parking lot. If you let one hug you, you'll discover that your gold chain and bracelet have disappeared.

Just now, Jonathan Swift said:

Like you all know, nobody knows the backstory here. But it's so sad on so many levels to see this little boy having this example of parenting to live under. I hope he grows up OK.

My thoughts as well

Very sad - and there but for the grace of God go you or me|?

"making people feeling uncomfortable" "damaging the image of Phuket"?!

Is really this the issue?

Nobody interested to know the story behind this behaviour.

What bring a man to ask money, with his son, from people on the road?

A very humiliating situation.

Looks like someone feeding a habit more so than the kid.

1 hour ago, Blueman1 said:

ust now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Just now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Just now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Probably RUSSIAN

Israeli, according to the video.

Seems there is more concern for the reputation of Phuket than concern for the child.

Just now, golli said:

Should have a return ticket to where ever he's from. Should be made to use it.

Is a return ticket a requirement in order to enter Thailand?

From what I could find on the Web, begging for money is illegal in Thailand under the Beggar Control Act B.E. 2559 (2016).

It is a criminal offense, punishable by up to one month in prison and/or a fine of up to 10,000 Thai Baht (pretty harsh if you don't have any money).

Foreigners found begging are often arrested, fined, and deported, while Thai citizens are typically sent to vocational training centers.

According to The Nation (13 June 2025), authorities encourage the public to report begging instances rather than supporting them, as giving money often perpetuates a criminal cycle.

If people do wish to give money, NBT World (9 January 2025) advises that authorities recommend donating through officially approved institutions rather than giving directly to individuals on the street.

Immigration need to step up to the mark here , if he’s a holiday maker and is that broke surely he must be overstaying , or if he has a retirement visa / marriage visa either way he’s never gonna make the financial requirement and therefore needs booting out , it just makes a farce of those who play by the rules if not

2 hours ago, elektrified said:

How is that relevant?

every visa requires a bond of so much cash in a Thai bank

2 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

It's tragic but no surprise as there is so much <deleted> going on in the world at the moment.

So all the poor of the world should jump on a flight to thailand.? Why were they in Thailand , a reason ?

If the person was from Cambodia or Myanmar I would understand, and not condemn. They would be picked up, stuck in prison and deported.

Thais etc who see foreigners doing this especially with children, should immediately call tourist police. Kids deserve better.

59 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:

From what I could find on the Web, begging for money is illegal in Thailand under the Beggar Control Act B.E. 2559 (2016).

It is a criminal offense, punishable by up to one month in prison and/or a fine of up to 10,000 Thai Baht (pretty harsh if you don't have any money).

Foreigners found begging are often arrested, fined, and deported, while Thai citizens are typically sent to vocational training centers.

According to The Nation (13 June 2025), authorities encourage the public to report begging instances rather than supporting them, as giving money often perpetuates a criminal cycle.

If people do wish to give money, NBT World (9 January 2025) advises that authorities recommend donating through officially approved institutions rather than giving directly to individuals on the street.

I wouldn't do that , most of it goes in CEO salary

Just now, spidermike007 said:

These days you never know if somebody is being sincere in their need when it comes to begging. I lived and worked in India for a couple of years and there were so many beggars there and the only effective way I found to deal with them was to carry around a little daypack filled with fruit, and when somebody would come begging I would offer them a piece of fruit, it was the great delineator.

Those that were truly hungry would accept the fruit with gratitude, and those that were professional beggars would look at me with the disdain and walk away. Busted!

I have always wanted to zip undone my fly to see what would happen?

Just now, golli said:

Should have a return ticket to where ever he's from. Should be made to use it.

The likes of Onward Ticket dotcom are only valid for 48 hours.

Just now, Jonathan Swift said:

Like you all know, nobody knows the backstory here. But it's so sad on so many levels to see this little boy having this example of parenting to live under. I hope he grows up OK.

Just now, Jonathan Swift said:

Like you all know, nobody knows the backstory here. But it's so sad on so many levels to see this little boy having this example of parenting to live under. I hope he grows up OK.

Oh please spare us your sad empathy which is not sincere

Help the boy instead of telling others to do it

Oh someone should do something you say ...but your not getting involved right

I had the same thing a few weeks ago , I was mopping the floors in the hospital office blocks one night to have a middle-aged man run over to me to tell me there was a road rage incident nearby !

"Do something he said to me

"Why don't you I shouted to him, "here take this mop and shove it up one their arses ,! I said to him

Just now, Vlada Floric said:

I don't hear the same outcry when Karen or Burmese kids of about 5 are sent begging into bars at all hours, selling flowers.

Excellent point

It seems a case of racism here

Personally, I hope he escapes punishment. Tempest in a teacup. Depending on the age of the child, this is just an adventure. Though an adventure at 40 degrees. Wonder where they stay?

I hope they don't catch him. This isn't the Sukhumvit stretch where the beggars are run by gangs and, reportedly, sometimes mutilated. I always gave to a Thalidomide girl. In Nana Plaza, there was one old beggar who owned an apartment building. Anybody else remember him?

Reserved occupation, Thais only

I wonder just what kind of visa he has?

Quite common everywhere, in US, EU and other countries except Thailand maybe. In EU there are East European gangs, most Sinti and Roma, who are begging very successful and exploit social systems at the same time.

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Just now, sahibji said:

What nationality is the person who is seeing begging?

Does it really matter? Only fact is that he is farang, and is begging, quite possibly on an expired Visa (perhaps)... The man may be trying to avoid a 'war' by not going home?

4 hours ago, elektrified said:

How is that relevant?

Begging Visa..