Chonburi Immigration authorities have apprehended 19 Cambodian nationals, including 9 children, for illegal begging Immigration officers raided a hideout belonging to a Cambodian begging syndicate, located in a series of houses in the Wat Tham Samakkhi area of South Pattaya.
During the operation, authorities arrested 10 adults (both men and women) from Cambodia, along with 9 children, ranging in age from infants to 10 years old, bringing the total number of arrests to 19. The group was living together, with some staying in a house equipped with air conditioning. Authorities found that 5 individuals were illegal immigrants, 3 were foreigners residing in Thailand without proper documentation or with expired permits, and 2 held valid passports and visas. The 9 children were confirmed to be the children of the Cambodian adults.
In coordination with the Chonburi Child and Family Welfare Home and the Chonburi Homeless Protection Center, Chonburi Immigration arranged temporary shelter for 2 mothers and the 9 children at a child welfare home. They will be cared for while legal actions are taken, and plans are made for their repatriation to Cambodia.
Reports suggest that this group is part of a larger network of foreign beggars in Pattaya, many of whom are repeat offenders. Some of the adults were previously apprehended as children and have since returned to Thailand, now with their own children, to continue begging in the area.
