Woman fined for seeking donations

PATONG: A 57-year-old Ukranian woman has been fined 100 baht for soliciting donations from tourists without permission. Police said the woman, whom they named as Nipa Vira Panchuk, had been seeking donations for a religious organization, and told them she did not realize permission was required. Pol Lt Serm Kwannimit, of Kathu Police Station, told the Gazette that other foreigners suggested Ms Panchuk accompany them to the police station about 9 pm on Wednesday to clarify her position after she asked tourists for money on Soi Bangla. “This is the first case I have seen of a foreigner asking for donations from tourists in Patong. She did not know that under Thai law she could not do this without permission from the local District Office,” he said. Because of language difficulties, it was not clear whether the religious organization involved was in Thailand or overseas. Ms Panchuk prayed while seeking donations, and continued to pray at the police station. Police fined her 100 baht but allowed her to keep the 3,500 baht found in her bag. She entered Thailand on a tourist visa.