BANGKOK, 22 Jan 2015 – The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) will lead a campaign to address the ongoing beggar issue on a sustainable basis, with a major clean-up operation to be organized from January 26th -30th.
Minister of Social Development and Human Security Police General Adul Sangsingkeaw said that the beggar issue has been deep-rooted in the Thai society and fallen prey to the human trafficking ring. He said one particular method favored by the traffickers is to use children to reel in crowds, living off of human kindness.
He said 3 major policies will be implemented nationwide — law enforcement, protection to victims of human trafficking, and to develop a network against human trafficking.
The Police General clarified that the law enforcement involves amending the beggar related laws, handing out punishments to human traffickers and professional beggars and drawing up an official record of beggars.
He said the truly destitute would receive assistance in the form of general welfare, rehabilitation and occupational training.
