Why Do Thais Give Money To Beggars?

[Bjorn]

They do it because it brings them good luck by helping the poor (Even though many beggars are rich). Often the beggars are placed in a location by others in order to bring them some easy cash)

[losworld]

I see it all the time. All the hard working, very poor Thais are lined up manning their corn/noodle/fruit/ice cream/coffee/shoe repair/som tum/phone holder stand and then a beggar walks through, stops in front of each of them and asks for money. 75-80% of them then give it to him, so this beggar probably makes 10 times more in a day then they do. Why oh why?

As I've heard many times in Thailand "have good heart". I would rather see a rich beggar than Thais with poor heart.

[losworld]

Yes most thais I have met are a generous bunch and I am always happy to pass on a few baht

perhaps that is why they are so poor? surely, a person with the slightest bit of intelligence realizes how silly/unproductive it is to give money to someone begging for it.

I hope those are not serious comments.

[LivinginKata]

A series of posts have been removed due to members flaming each other.

[Datsun240Z]

I don't give to beggars but will donate to a few charities

Datsun Rule 294:

- Never give money to charities, because it will never reach the goal than the owners pockets.

[sanook2me]

Better give food and clothes than money.

I agree but it doesn't always go down well. I once bought some fruit for an old one legged bloke and he just took it off me and then threw it on the floor...obviously not impressed with this farangs generosity..he wanted (needed) cash....

Saturday there was new beggar on my local walk to the shopping centre..(really scruffy/no shoes/clothes in bits/skinny) not obviously disabled but just looked like he was at the end...

So after buying my food goodies from S & P i bought him a pasty too... on the way back i gave him the pasty and a few baht.

He was thankful and i felt good about myself....

I suspect they give money for this very reason or to make merit for the next life and to induce a well feeling inside that you have done something good...

(school boy spelling error...through = threw...dam_n an edit..)

Edited July 14, 2009 by sanook2me

[fiddlehead]

Sometimes i'm amazed at the differences in cultures compared to the one i grew up with.

I'm in a club back home in the states that is mostly made up of rich people.

It cost $5 to come to a meeting and eat & drink.

If anyone is ever light on the $5, it takes up most of the meeting to figure out who and belittle him.

Everyone is expected to pay.

Here in Thailand, it is so different.

If someone in my neighborhood wins the lottery, the whole neighborhood parties and the winner pays.

If someone has no money, people give them some so they can all have fun together. (these are mostly poor people)

No, i don't know about you, but i know which one i prefer.

[krading]

Well known scam - gangs control these beggars and well the takes are most likely not going to the beggar.

What percentage of the donations collected by 'charitable organisations' in Australia actually ends up with the charity it was intended for? These legalised 'gangs' pay a flat fee or offer a percentage, usually 10-20% after expenses, of monies collected for the right to use that charity's name for fund-raising. The charity accepts this because a little money is better than no money.

[rick75]

People have looked at the issue of large charities and how much actually sees the ground in some cases it can be as little as 50% of the money reaches the ones who need it, the rest is "administrative costs".

[mauGR1]

People have looked at the issue of large charities and how much actually sees the ground in some cases it can be as little as 50% of the money reaches the ones who need it, the rest is "administrative costs".

I've read the numbers of large Charities Organizations,in some case 50% is wishful thinking..I spoke once to an employee..High salary,nice office with PC and aircon,lot of vacations and free air-tickets..Disgusting really.I prefer to give something personally to some people who really needs.When i was in Cambodia,coming out of the restaurant there was a row of war-disabled people waiting for alms..impossible not to feel guilty without giving some coin.I give to the local Temple sometimes,i guess they make good use of the money,and makes me feel better too.

[midas]

I was sitting in a bus station in Nongkhai once and this beggar was going around everyone

and I just said no.

Then she did the unbelievable and got down on the floor in front of two monks

who were sitting and chatting and it was clear everyone in the bus station was embarrased

and what she had done was wrong. The monks also looked highly embarassed and

didnt know what to do and then one reached into a small purse hidden in his robe

and gave some money.

I sat there after and though about it and I couldnt take it any more and i quickly

went to the monk and just reinstated the money and I quickly sat down again

because i just believe you give to the monk - I dont believe you take from monk

And i did feel better for that because my gut feeling was that the beggar wasnt bona fide.

[doggie888888]

Answer: Insitutionalised religion encouraged by successive governments that have been grossly negligent in caring and providing for the truly needy in their own society. Is it really compassion: "I give so that I can collect merit points and make MYSELF feel better"?

Many posters here who do not give to beggars are accused of lacking compassion. Well, compassion comes in many forms, some misplaced and others more targetted. And just because you give to beggars to make yourself feel better means you have missed the point of altruism and selfless charity.

[imaneggspurt]

Stupid question in my opinion, generosity and feeling sorry for someone worse off isnt it ? ,,, my wife does it and proud of her i am too,.

[Geekfreaklover]

It is a personal decision - to give or not to give to beggers.

Personally I don't give to beggers in Bangkok. I believe most of the money doesn't go to the Bangkok begger. the funds go the criminal syndicate that are working the beggers in Bangkok. If it makes you feel happy funding a criminal organisation that is exploiting the crippled and the blind - then go right ahead. In my eyes you won't recieve karma merit. You are supporting a diabolical form of business.

Up country it is different. I will give some coinage to to the blind guy playing the strange three stringed instrument in an Isaan market. I feel that he needs it. hel_l, I think he deserves it, even though he can't play that strange instrument very well. He is on his own

As for charities in Asia. Spare me. That is another story. I won't give unless I go to their offices, personally know who is working there and have audited their books. I've seen the situation in Cambodia. NGO workers driving around in SUV's, living in air-conditioned apartments and having immoral relationships with girls that are not old enough to have imoral relationships with. All the time supposedly working towards stopping such activities.

American NGOs working in Burma simply working as a cover to get a grips on the social economic situation with a looksee at the oil.

It's a personal decision. But that money goes in different directions to that you might think it goes to at first glance.

Edited July 14, 2009 by Geekfreaklover

[edgarfriendly]

last week i watched a chinese guy stop 3 feet from a beggar, and rummage in his pocket for coins, he spent a solid 5 minutes turning each coin over and over , just watching it was excruciating, so i gave him a 20 bt to give to the beggar.

did i miss the point?

ef

[billd766]

Up in the village where I live I see the same 2 disabled people at the markets and I always give 10 or 20 baht to each one. They are local people and I give because there is always someone worse off than me or you and there is little help for disabled people in Thailand anyway.

I have also taught my 5 year old son to do the same.

[dbrenn]

I see it all the time. All the hard working, very poor Thais are lined up manning their corn/noodle/fruit/ice cream/coffee/shoe repair/som tum/phone holder stand and then a beggar walks through, stops in front of each of them and asks for money. 75-80% of them then give it to him, so this beggar probably makes 10 times more in a day then they do. Why oh why?

Because Thais are more charitable than you are?

[Garry]

I just give money when I feel its the right thing to do and how I feel on the day.

[Travel2003]

I see it all the time. All the hard working, very poor Thais are lined up manning their corn/noodle/fruit/ice cream/coffee/shoe repair/som tum/phone holder stand and then a beggar walks through, stops in front of each of them and asks for money. 75-80% of them then give it to him, so this beggar probably makes 10 times more in a day then they do. Why oh why?

First, as many members already stated.

It is done in order to either gain merit, or out of compasssion.

Then, where exactly (locations) do you see this all the time?

Reason for my question is, have a look on each and every Bridge over Sukhumvit soi 1 to 50 if you like.

Or, have a look at the bridges out here in Chatujak/Ratchayothin area.

You wll see not 1000s, but 10s of 000s of people passing the beggars, and they dont give a single satang.

Why?

I asked that myself a long time ago.

You can not always tell the difference between a professional or a real beggar.

I was surprised to learn that the vast majority of beggars with children, actually borrow (or baby sit) the kid, in order to get more sympathy.

Next time, have a look, and might see that it is most likely the grand mother (or great grand mother) that is having the kid for a day.

If one wants to help, then give to the charity organizations.

So many of them now, you can almost choose exactly what to use the money for.

[zzaa09]

I see it all the time. All the hard working, very poor Thais are lined up manning their corn/noodle/fruit/ice cream/coffee/shoe repair/som tum/phone holder stand and then a beggar walks through, stops in front of each of them and asks for money. 75-80% of them then give it to him, so this beggar probably makes 10 times more in a day then they do. Why oh why?

Why not. Harmless really. Thais {as a rule} won't look upon these actitivties politically as you might, but instead is an extension of their familial and social base. Sure, some are scams - some are legit. Interesting to observe that it will be the everyday working stiff throw the beggar a few moreso than the hiso types.

[zzaa09]

As for the farang beggars around suk....why???

Yes...aren't they a disgusting lot?

[camerata]

I see it all the time. All the hard working, very poor Thais are lined up manning their corn/noodle/fruit/ice cream/coffee/shoe repair/som tum/phone holder stand and then a beggar walks through, stops in front of each of them and asks for money. 75-80% of them then give it to him, so this beggar probably makes 10 times more in a day then they do. Why oh why?

Most Thais are Buddhists. On one level, giving alms to beggars is a way of making merit and ensuring a better rebirth. On a deeper level, Buddhism is about cultivation of the mind and generosity/compassion is a key part of that. So it doesn't matter if some of the money goes to the beggars' controllers or the police who allow them to stay in prime locations - the benefit is derived simply from the act of giving to help someone else.

[Garry9999]

I have two hearts on this matter. My first heart wants to give, my second heart says don't support organised crime and people trafficking.

[ozzieovaseas]

Interesting the amount of people who refer to beggars being associated with police and mafia bla bla..

So is this a myth started by a few and spruiked ever there after by anyone who wants to ease their conscience from the subliminal guilt of not giving? and if this conspiracy theory is true then how do we know which beggars are legit?

To me the point is not who may or may not be exploiting them, but more in the issue of a life with REAL disabilities, which cannot be faked and for which there is no safety net (or should i say compassionate net) here in the Land Of limited Smiles.

What future or will to live have these poor misfortunates who have no legs,or limbs missing,are blind or whatever?

No chance of work or ever being independant..most expats would consider it no hope really

If i was in this position i for one wouldnt like to spend my days in the sun on a dirty smelly overpass for a few baht and then stumble back (home?) to sleep with the soi dogs...

I

f i had such a handicap id be pretty confident of being able to get a wheelchair and have a semi-decent life back home.

Not possible in these folks own homeland.

And by the way,i guess the reason they prefer money is that they can be fed at temples, where they will very rarely, if ever, be sent away.

AND to those of you who've hijacked this thread to rubbish others: If you dont have any compassion for fellow human beings then at least have a bit of gratitude that YOU werent born elsewhere and found yourselves in these conditions

[Garry9999]

Interesting the amount of people who refer to beggars being associated with police and mafia bla bla..

So is this a myth started by a few and spruiked ever there after by anyone who wants to ease their conscience from the subliminal guilt of not giving? and if this conspiracy theory is true then how do we know which beggars are legit?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/210808_News/21Aug2008_news09.php

[Tod Daniels]

I believe thais give small change to beggars because due to their upbringing; it is so hard-coded into their psyche that in their next life things might be very different for them. I have seen thais do all manner of things which to me are illogical and oxymoronic to increase their chances of a good life, the next time around. It's their money so I don't sweat it, nor do anything more than shake my head and walk past.

As far as the myth of the "beggars’ mafia"; it has been perpetuated for so long it has taken on a life of its own. In all my time here, Ive walked all over Bangkok, at all times of the day and nite, yet never once have I seen any mafia-type van or mafia-type person drop off beggars in a specific area. Neither have I seen someone pick them up after "begging hours" were over.

I've seen most of the beggars in my neighborhood for well over 4 years now. They are the same people every day. Upon questioning, I found out they operate more like small 'teams'; looking out for one another, stopping other beggar teams from encroaching on their territory, and often pooling money for food. Most of the 'teams' share a tiny apartment where they keep their extra clothes, go to shower, etc.

I do concur that I find the foreign beggars (aka; farang) some of the most f*cked up people I've ever walked past without acknowledging in my entire life.

[ozzieovaseas]

Ive had to re-evaluate my thoughts about beggers.

Today i crossed a walkway and saw a begger,and older lady with one arm. She had one of those mobiles with the pin thing that you use on the screen.

She had the mobile in her 1 good hand and was usung it with the pin thing in her mouth..no joke

I dont know what those phones are called..blackberry or blueberry or somethin...

I've never been able to afford one

[smokie36]

Ive had to re-evaluate my thoughts about beggers.

Today i crossed a walkway and saw a begger,and older lady with one arm. She had one of those mobiles with the pin thing that you use on the screen.

She had the mobile in her 1 good hand and was usung it with the pin thing in her mouth..no joke

I dont know what those phones are called..blackberry or blueberry or somethin...

I've never been able to afford one

Must be some good deals at MBK....?

Who was she talking to I wonder....Financial broker probably.

[ozzieovaseas]

Ive had to re-evaluate my thoughts about beggers.

Today i crossed a walkway and saw a begger,and older lady with one arm. She had one of those mobiles with the pin thing that you use on the screen.

She had the mobile in her 1 good hand and was usung it with the pin thing in her mouth..no joke

I dont know what those phones are called..blackberry or blueberry or somethin...

I've never been able to afford one

Must be some good deals at MBK....?

Who was she talking to I wonder....Financial broker probably.

haha..yeh that'd be right!!

or if you believe everything on this thread she may have been bargaining with her friendly local mafia representative for a better spot

[snuggzzz]

I see it all the time. All the hard working, very poor Thais are lined up manning their corn/noodle/fruit/ice cream/coffee/shoe repair/som tum/phone holder stand and then a beggar walks through, stops in front of each of them and asks for money. 75-80% of them then give it to him, so this beggar probably makes 10 times more in a day then they do. Why oh why?

Most Thais are Buddhists. On one level, giving alms to beggars is a way of making merit and ensuring a better rebirth. On a deeper level, Buddhism is about cultivation of the mind and generosity/compassion is a key part of that. So it doesn't matter if some of the money goes to the beggars' controllers or the police who allow them to stay in prime locations - the benefit is derived simply from the act of giving to help someone else.

My Thai wife believes this is indeed the case, she also does so in the UK. Christians are also taught to be charitable, however, commercialism and exploitation is the downside, the upside is that if the person is genuine, you are able to enrich his/her life, he/she will either spend it on food or drink or accommodation, it gives them another day to survive and contemplate their future. I have met a few 'real' beggars/tramps/alcoholics/drug abusers, mostly, in the UK suffering from mental health problems through relationships, business etc.

One Christmas day I met a 'Gentleman of the Road', he asked me for a cigarette, he stank of urine and body odour, the belt on his thin coat was made of string, his shoes were worn through, with plastic bags poking out of the seams. He had a scarf wrapped around his head covering his ears and was shivering, this was at Bank Underground Station. It was Christmas Day 1972.

He was surprised when I gave him a cigarette, when his eyes focused he saw the cigarette and eloquently replied 'thank you Sir', the day, the circumstances led us to talk, I acknowledged his maturity and experience in life, he likewise thanked me by opening up as to why he had slipped into this life.

He produced his discharge book from the RAF together with his flight log which showed the missions he had completed in World War 2 as a flgt Lt. pilot,he opened a business however, over the years a rapid decline in his domestic and business arrangements led to him being there that day. I gave him the packet of fags.

Many destitute and hungry people all over the world rely on such charity, as they say 'up to you'...!!!