Thailand ministry urges public to stop giving money to beggars

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is set to launch a major new campaign this Friday, and it’s urging the public to stop giving money to beggars and halt the shocking surge in the number of beggars across Thailand.

The big reveal will kick off at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in Pathumwan district. Expect a star-studded affair with a host of key players, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), the Immigration Bureau, the Mirror Foundation, and other leading anti-begging advocates.

Participants will distribute pamphlets in multiple languages (Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Cambodian) to people at the Pathumwan Intersection and along Rama I and Phaya Thai roads, Varawut said.

“The campaign aims to raise awareness about the growing beggar problem, advocate for regulatory and legal measures to control beggar numbers and change the public’s mindset about giving money to them.

“Many people feel pity for beggars who appear to suffer from disabilities, seeing their donations as acts of compassion and merit-making. However, this sentiment often exacerbates the problem, with many beggars becoming victims of trafficking or being hired for illegal activities.”

The ministry’s recent survey revealed 506 beggars on streets nationwide in the current fiscal year, marking a 20% increase from last year. Of these, 331 (65%) were Thai nationals, and 24% were repeat beggars.

Most beggars were found in Bangkok and key tourist provinces such as Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Lop Buri.

Meanwhile, nine provinces reported no beggars: Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Satun, Nakhon Phanom, Lampang, Phetchaburi, Nan, and Phang Nga, Varawut added.

From October 2014 to July this year, the ministry recorded 7,635 beggars, with 65% being Thai and the rest foreign nationals, reported Bangkok Post.

Most beggars operate in major cities and tourist towns, particularly in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai.