PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya authorities detained 17 Cambodian nationals, including seven children, during an operation targeting begging along Pattaya Beach and other major tourist areas on August 11. The operation was led by Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinitkarn, together with officers from Pattaya City Police, Chonburi Immigration, Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office and the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office.
Authorities said the operation followed complaints from residents and businesses about foreign nationals begging and approaching tourists at busy locations. Officials also found Thai homeless people, some apparently intoxicated, asking for money from tourists and members of the public.
Officers searched along Pattaya Second Road and the Pattaya Beach area, where they found 17 Cambodian nationals consisting of seven children and 10 adults. The group included one man and nine women, with children aged as young as seven months, two years and three years. Authorities said some adults were carrying young children while begging from tourists. Checks also found that some of those detained had previously been arrested, processed under the law and deported from Thailand three or four times, but had allegedly returned and resumed similar activities.
A further eight Thai homeless people who appeared intoxicated were also found begging in the area. All those detained were taken to have their details recorded before being handed over to the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office for further legal procedures and consideration of appropriate assistance. Authorities said the operation aimed to maintain public order, reduce disturbances to tourists and protect Pattaya’s image as a safe and welcoming tourism destination.
