Thai police arrested six beggars suspected of being victims of an international human trafficking ring and being involved in illegal begging. This was reported by the Thai news agency (TNA) on November 22.
All of the detainees had visible facial injuries consistent with acid burns and limb mutilations and had been caught begging in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Colonel Phanlob Samransom, head of Chorahe Noi police station, said the increase in the number of beggars in the area was recent and that the crackdown had forced them to move to the outskirts of the city.
“Before there were not many beggars in this area because of the small population. Yeah [они] He sat down and begged, [то они бы] “I didn’t get much money”Samransom said.
Kanthat Pongpaibunwei, a popular blogger and volunteer who often comes to the aid of those in need, provided authorities with details about possible victims of human trafficking begging on the streets.
On November 21, Pongpaibunwei reported that beggars earn significant sums, reaching 10,000 Thai baht ($284) per person per day.
“According to available information, a total of nine foreign beggars have accumulated between two and three million baht a month.”said Pongpaibunwei.
“This estimate only includes those identified and the real number may be higher.”Pongpaibunwei added.
Pongpaibunwei noted that the beggars’ injuries and style of clothing were the same, indicating that there was a human trafficking network behind this criminal scheme to make money.
“A van would come to pick them up and they would leave in it.”said Pongpaibunwei.
Pongpaibunwei cited the case of an elderly beggar who was arrested and questioned by police. Allegedly, the man tried to destroy the telephone through which he could talk to his guardian.
“After the police tried to take his phone and look at it, [он] He tried to crush the phone so that it would break. The fact that they are hiding something arouses suspicion. Why destroy evidence? asks Pongpaibunwei.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, a total of 7,158 beggars participated in organized begging from October 2014 to October this year.
Of the total 7,158 beggars, 4,685 were Thai citizens and 2,473 were foreigners, according to government data.
The largest number of beggars were reported to be in tourist areas such as Lumpini, Sukhumvit and other provinces such as Chon Buri and Chiang Mai.
According to TNA, the predominant group involved in begging were Cambodian citizens.
On November 20, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa ordered an investigation into the case of a Chinese woman seen begging near a popular shopping mall in Ping Klao district.
The woman reportedly had scars on her face and amputated hands, and dressed like a student when begging. Authorities believe the woman was a victim of slave traders.
Silpa-archa said the issue was a “sensitive issue between countries” and that authorities needed to verify the details of how he entered Thailand.
The minister urged citizens to report any unusual or suspicious begging activity to the ministry, promising prompt action by authorities.
Let us remember that in 2016 Thailand passed the Begging Control Law, which prohibits begging and makes it a crime to force anyone to beg in the country.
According to the law, all these crimes are punishable by up to one month in prison and a fine of up to THB 10,000.
Traffickers and those who try to profit from begging face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to THB 30,000.
Government officials found that accomplices face harsher penalties, including up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 50,000 Thai baht.
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.