I often wish that I understood more about the 'begging business', and who are the 'mafia' types.fountainhall wrote:I will add, however, that I was once conned. With a Thai friend I was walking across the pedestrian bridge from Central World to Gaysorn Plaza. At the Gaysorn end was a man with no arms. I put Bt. 10 in his can. As we walked down the steps, my friend asked why I had done that. I told him. “Didn’t you see that his arms were tied behind his back?” I felt foolish. I certainly had not noticed - perhaps because I had not looked closely enough. Yet for every “con” there are many dozens of people who are in genuine need – and who are unable to work to earn enough to live on.
In Boyztown Pattaya there are often Thai people who wander through begging. Some seem to be regulars, some seen rarely.
Almost all of them have some disability which is apparent.
I don't mind giving something to them, as I think that they are genuine. But I don't know.
On Second Road, there are always beggars, frequently mothers with very young children.
They look desperately poor.
I don't give to them, because I think that they are 'mafia dupes.'
I even have this idea that they are Cambodian imports. Where did this thought come from?
I don't even know why I think that, but have held this view for ages.
Maybe I should give to them. God knows they look as if they need it.
But I just don't like the idea of being scammed.
I have been told (I hope jokingly) that I am as tight as a fish's arsehole, but don't believe that is really me.