Agree completely. In my entire lifetime, I have never given a single penny to beggars anywhere in the world & I intend it to stay that way.Joachim wrote: I never give to beggars. It is not a question of greed but rather a philosophy. I am glad to tip person for a good service but to give away money for nothing is to promote the idea that some people should work hard for their living while others should get everything for free. This is especially true in case of able bodied beggars who quite obviously in position to work for living. Back at home (where, in fact we have very few beggars, my neighbour likes to engage them by offering some odd job (like repairing something in the house etc). None usually accept. In my view, it is profoundly unfair that majority of people should work really hard while others (frequently drug uses) believe that they are entitled to get everything for free.
In my own country, there is welfare. Those who beg also seem to subsidize habits like drinking and keeping a pet dog.
In Germany I've seen some of the non-native scum feigning disability, then 30 minutes scooting past me with their crutches thrown in the supermarket shopping trolley.
In Thailand, I'll distribute money to working people via my custom and where deserved, tips. They can decide how to care for the non-working types in their country.
As for the beggars deliberately crawling around in the dirt on the pavements of Bangkok, well they do that because it pays. Giving them money encourages such behaviour. If you must give money to beggars, these are the very last people who should get money.
Anyway, no doubt some will disagree with me, but you're not going to change my opinion or behaviour.
As for Soi Twilight, well the baht prices have gone up, exchange rate movements have made it more expensive for some customers & the phone apps can reduce the total cost of an off from >2500 baht to 1000 baht. All of that is bound to have some effect on customer numbers.