Cambodian begging gang busted in Pattaya, 19 arrested
Thai police apprehended 19 Cambodian nationals, including nine children, for allegedly begging illegally in Pattaya. The Chon Buri Immigration Office conducted the raid on Monday, December 16 in the Wat Tham Samakkhi area of South Pattaya, targeting what is believed to be a hideout for a Cambodian begging gang.
During the operation, officers arrested 10 adults, consisting of both men and women, along with nine children, whose ages range from infants to 10 years old. The group was reportedly living together in a row of houses, some of which were equipped with air conditioning, indicating a level of comfort despite their illicit activities.
Of the adults apprehended, five were identified as illegal immigrants, three were foreigners residing in Thailand either without permission or with expired permits and two held valid passports and visas. The children were found to be the offspring of the Cambodian adults.
The Chon Buri Immigration Office coordinated with local welfare agencies, including the Chon Buri Child and Family Welfare Home and the Chon Buri Homeless Protection Centre, to ensure the safety and care of the two mothers and their nine children. They have been temporarily housed in a child welfare home while police initiate legal proceedings and arrange for their eventual deportation to Cambodia.
Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals are part of a larger gang of foreign beggars operating in Pattaya. A concerning aspect of this case is that many of those arrested are repeat offenders. Some of them were previously caught as children and have since returned to Thailand with their children to continue begging, said a police spokesperson.
“This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of dealing with foreign begging gangs in the area. We are working closely with other agencies to provide support for the children and ensure the legal process is followed correctly.”
The police are determined to crack down on this illegal activity, which not only violates immigration laws but also exploits vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The collaboration between the immigration office and welfare organisations underscores the importance of addressing both the legal and humanitarian aspects of such cases.
Efforts are ongoing to dismantle similar operations and to prevent individuals from re-entering the country unlawfully, reported The Pattaya News.
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