Again - and again - do NOT give money to beggars

[Gaybutton]

Especially the ones using the despicable practice of using children and infants in their efforts to get money. In my opinion, unless they can iron-clad prove the children are their own, I hope the authorities take the children and provide proper care for them - and these people don't get them back - ever. I also think those beggars using children should not merely be deported, only to soon return, but should be jailed. Then we'll see if they return.

If the children do prove to be their own, I think they should be deported, but they should be notified if they return with children, regardless of whether the children are their own, the children will be removed and properly cared for - and no excuses and no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

I see no excuse for exploiting children in that, or any other, manner.
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Foreign beggars carrying infants reappear in Pattaya, exposing gaps in enforcement and child protection

By Pattaya Mail

February 21, 2026

Authorities in Pattaya are once again facing public concern after reports surfaced of foreign nationals carrying young children and infants while begging and selling small items in busy tourist areas — despite previous arrests and deportations.

At around 9:30 p.m. on February 19, residents alerted reporters to the presence of a Cambodian woman carrying a newborn while soliciting money and selling candy to tourists along Pattaya Beach Road and Pattaya Second Road, both high-traffic nightlife and tourism corridors in Nongprue, Banglamung district.

On inspection, the woman was found holding an infant believed to be just two to three months old, accompanied by another young child estimated to be between five and seven years old. She was seated on a sidewalk crowded with foreign tourists, using the children to attract sympathy while requesting money from passersby.

The woman told reporters she had previously been arrested and deported to Cambodia at least twice, but later re-entered Thailand illegally via natural border crossings before traveling by van to Pattaya. She claimed financial hardship and said she needed to earn money to support her family, which includes three children.

Reporters also observed other foreign beggars in the area fleeing immediately upon noticing media presence, hurriedly carrying or pulling children away from the scene — behavior that local sources say reflects a pattern of evading inspections by authorities.

According to residents and business operators, the problem has become recurring. Although officials periodically conduct crackdowns, make arrests, and deport offenders, many of those removed later return to the same areas, undermining enforcement efforts and raising questions about border control effectiveness.

Beyond immigration concerns, child welfare advocates warn that the use of infants and young children in street begging poses serious risks to their safety and wellbeing. Locals say the practice also damages Pattaya’s tourism image, particularly in areas frequented by international visitors at night.

Community members are now urging relevant agencies to adopt a more coordinated and sustained response — combining stricter action against illegal entry, consistent street-level enforcement, and stronger protection measures for children being used in begging activities.

As one of Thailand’s most visible tourist destinations, Pattaya’s ability to address the issue is increasingly seen as a test of whether enforcement efforts can move beyond repeated arrests toward long-term solutions that protect both vulnerable children and the city’s international reputation.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/foreig ... ion-536590

[Jun]

I agree 100%.

If no one gave money to beggars, the practice would die out very quickly.

On the other hand, if you want begging to continue, keep donating.
Bear in mind, you're encouraging people to keep their children out of school and entrenching poverty.
Or promoting whatever other undesirable practices they use.

[Gaybutton]

Or promoting whatever other undesirable practices they use.

Also it is difficult to be sure whether these people are doing this on their own or if it is part of an organized crime gang - or both. I have my suspicions because even the beggars who have been deported, some several times, always manage to make their way illegally back into Thailand, then make their way to Pattaya, and know exactly where to set themselves up. They also do not seem to fear consequences when the police pick them up or shoo them away.

Either way, it's bad enough that this begging goes on at all, but when infants and young children are exploited like this, that is crossing the line. Lord only knows what ends up happening to these children when they are no longer useful to the beggars.

I would be very happy to see those responsible locked up for life. I also think it would help to put a stop to it, or at least slow it down, if giving money to these beggars was made illegal.

If tea money is involved in this, then those collecting it should be treated just as severely if they are caught.

[christianpfc]

Recently in Bangkok, there were even adverts in Thai telling people not to give money to beggars.

At least beggars in Thailand do not follow or touch you. In 2024 in India, begging children would walk around and approach you, I would look at them and say no, and they would follow me and tip my arm with their finger repeatedly to gain my attention. Similar happened last month in Myanmar.