Tourists fume over persistent foreign beggars in Pattaya
Tourists flocking to Pattaya, particularly around the notorious Walking Street area, are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing issue of foreign beggars harassing visitors.
Many of these beggars, often accompanied by young children ranging from infants to seven to 10 years old, can be seen wandering the streets selling goods or soliciting money.
When tourists refuse to buy, some beggars resort to physical tactics, clinging to visitors or tugging at their arms to pressure them into handing over cash.
On-site observations have shown that these begging groups can be sizeable, with many using children as emotional tools to extract money from unsuspecting tourists.
The children approach visitors with endearing gestures or start conversations to soften their hearts and encourage donations. The items being sold range from flowers and souvenirs to candy and gum, while others simply beg outright for money.
This problem extends beyond the popular Walking Street to other areas frequented by foreign tourists in Pattaya.
Despite periodic crackdowns and sweeps by local authorities, the beggars consistently return, leaving both residents and tourists disillusioned.
The issue has persisted for years, with calls from locals and visitors for police to take decisive action to address the situation, reported The Pattaya News.
The exploitation of children for begging, which has been a key concern, could have long-term consequences for the safety and well-being of these minors. Despite repeated calls to improve the city’s image and curb the practice, no effective solution has yet been implemented.
This lack of action has left many frustrated, with tourists and locals alike expressing disappointment over the ongoing problem. As the issue remains unresolved, the need for a more permanent solution has never been more urgent.
In December last year, foreign women, accompanied by young children, were spotted begging on the busy streets of Pattaya, reigniting concerns over the city’s reputation and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
These women, who had been previously apprehended and deported for similar offences, were seen once again soliciting donations from passersby, drawing attention to a persistent problem.
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