Pattaya authorities detained several illegal immigrant beggars on Thursday in an effort to safeguard the city’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
On the evening of September 26th, officials from Chonburi Immigration, Pattaya City, and the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office launched a joint operation to crack down on illegal immigrants begging in the area. Authorities stated that the presence of these beggars was tarnishing the city’s image.
The crackdown focused on popular tourist spots, including Wat Chaimongkol on Pattaya Second Road and Pattaya Beach, where immigrants had been asking tourists for money, often causing irritation. Some beggars brought small children, raising concerns that they might be victims of human trafficking. Others appeared elderly or disabled, seemingly to elicit sympathy from passersby.
Investigations revealed that the beggars were undocumented immigrants. Seven suspects were taken into custody, with officers discovering that some lived comfortably in a rental house. Four of the individuals were confirmed to be illegal immigrants, while one was found to be working without a valid permit. All suspects were handed over to the authorities for deportation.
