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PATTAYA VIEWS
"Beggars in Paradise" By Charlie Brown I’m sure most, or all visitors to Thailand, and ex-patriots living here have been accosted or approached in some way by beggars, street urchins and the like on at least one or more occasion. This week I want to talk about this, and give some of my observations and suggestions on how to handle them. These people are found not only in Bangkok, but are here in Pattaya and all major cities in Thailand, especially tourist destinations. Here in Pattaya, we don’t have the overhead street walkovers on the main streets as they do in Bangkok, other than on Sukhumvit Highway. In town, they are mostly along South Pattaya Beach Road, or at places like Walking Street, Flea Markets, and on the beach road in Jomtien. There are several categories which need addressing:
I would like to comment on each of the above, and urge visitors to use your own judgment on how you treat or refuse these people. (1) Most of these people are truly in need of assistance from the public. A large percentage are men who have lost limbs from land mines, be they civilian or ex-military. From what I hear, there is virtually no assistance to these people from the Thai government, and I do donate to them when I can. (2) You will find these people coming around in a very humble attitude, begging for small change, sometimes with the explanation that they need to get back up country to their family. Hogwash! On more than one occasion I have witnessed someone give to one, and the next day see the same person on the same rounds. Be wary. (3) Here you must be very careful and let your heart be your guide. I have heard from many sources that there are parents in Thailand who deliberately break the arms or legs of babies, let them heal and wait until they are 4 or 5 years old, then put them on the streets to beg. When you see these children, don’t be surprised if the parents are a short distance away waiting to take the money from them. (4) Most of these women come from up-country, having been deserted by a Thai husband, or widowed. Some do have a husband with them, but he may also be one as mentioned in (1) above. If you are approached by any of these people, my suggestion is to watch what the Thai people do when they encounter them. I have noticed on several occasions where men or women, apparently well off, will pass them by while young ladies who appear to be bar girls or such will drop coins in the cup. Let us face the fact. There are many people in this world who are in need of help. We need to understand that what we do, or think of these people will reflect on how they think of us as visitors to their country. In other words, if you want to give to them, use your own judgment, but by all means, do not treat them badly in public. They are human, and as such should be treated as humans. There may be those of you who do, or do not agree with my observations in this or previous columns, and as such I invite you to respond with your comments. Until next time. Bye for now. Charlie Brown
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