New law seeks better control over beggars, and buskers

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: The Cabinet Monday gave the green light to a draft bill on street beggars, which empowers the Social Development and Human Security Ministry to send migrant beggars back to their home countries.

Also under the bill, buskers and street performers will be required to seek permission from local administrative bodies before taking to the streets.

Government spokesperson Yongyuth Mayalarp said this bill, which stemmed from a Cabinet resolution on February 24, is meant for the Social Development Ministry and related agencies, as well as the National Council for Peace and Order, to regulate and resolve the issue of street beggars.

— Phuket Gazette Editors