13-12-2024 (BANGKOK) A joint police operation targeting beggars in Thailand’s capital has led to the arrest of twelve individuals, including one Thai woman who was discovered to be holding substantial financial assets totalling more than 1.3 million baht.
The Thursday evening sweep, which focused on the bustling Sukhumvit district, revealed the surprising case of a Thai beggar who was found with 300,000 baht in cash and approximately one million baht in her bank account. The woman admitted to authorities that her wealth was accumulated entirely through begging activities.
The operation, which was mounted in response to mounting concerns over the impact on tourism, targeted the stretch between Asok intersection and Nana area, popular locations frequented by tourists and locals alike. Leading the crackdown were Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Suriya Puangsombat from Immigration Bureau Division 1 and Thapanee Sirisomboon, who heads the Bangkok Protection Centre for the Destitute.
Among those detained were eight Thai nationals and four foreigners – two Cambodians, one Laotian, and one Myanmar citizen. The foreign nationals face additional charges related to illegal entry into the kingdom, according to law enforcement officials.
The operation brought together a coordinated team of immigration officers, local police from Lumpini station, and officials from human security and social welfare departments. Their intervention came following numerous complaints about the prevalence of begging activities along this prime commercial corridor, which authorities say has been damaging Thailand’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.
All suspects were subsequently transferred to Lumpini Police Station for processing and further investigation.
