Pattaya crackdown finds 17 Cambodian beggars, including babies

PATTAYA — Pattaya authorities rounded up 17 Cambodian nationals, including seven children, during a crackdown on begging along Pattaya Beach, with officials saying some adults were seen carrying young children to solicit money from tourists.

The operation was carried out on 11 August by Pattaya City officials, Pattaya police, Chon Buri immigration officers and social welfare officials following complaints from residents and businesses about foreign nationals begging and approaching tourists at major tourist spots.

Officers patrolled along Pattaya’s Second Road and the beachfront, where they found a group of 17 Cambodian nationals consisting of 10 adults and seven children.

The adults included one man and nine women. Among the children were babies and toddlers aged seven months, two years and three years. Officials said some of the adults were carrying young children while asking tourists for money.

Authorities said checks found that some of the Cambodian nationals had previously been arrested, prosecuted and deported from Thailand. Some had reportedly been deported three or four times before returning and allegedly resuming similar activities.

Officers also found eight homeless Thai nationals who were allegedly intoxicated while asking for money from members of the public and tourists.

All those detained were taken to have their records documented before being handed over to Chon Buri’s social welfare authorities for further legal procedures and assistance where appropriate.

Pattaya authorities said the operation was aimed at maintaining public order, reducing disturbances to tourists and preserving Pattaya’s image as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.