The minister continued by saying that Bangkok officials and NGO officers would be checking streets, pedestrian overpasses and under elevated motorways for beggars. He added that any foreigners found begging would be handed over to the Immigration Department and then forcibly repatriated to their own countries.
In the case of Thai nationals, the Social Development department would help with housing and other assistance to reintegrate them back into society. Bangkok authorities say that more than 300 foreign beggars as well as 400-plus Thais are panhandling in Bangkok.
Although a few of the foreign Bangkok beggars are from Western countries, the majority are migrant workers or their children. Benjamin Holse, a 29-year-old German national, hit national headlines late last month.
Holse was found begging in the Khaosan Road backpacker area of Bangkok. After receiving help from Thai tourist police officers and aid workers, he was then spotted in the seaside resort of Pattaya. He claimed that he was spending the donations he had received on having a good time in the legendary party town.
Bangkok to expel foreign beggars
News in Asia
The Thai Social Development Minister has announced that foreigners found begging on the streets of Bangkok will be deported. General Adul Sangsingkeo said the action was part of a wider campaign to take beggars off the streets of the national capital.