BANGKOK, Thailand – Immigration Police in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit and Nana areas arrested three Cambodian women who were caught begging on the streets on August 30. After their workday, they reportedly changed into fashionable outfits to pose as tourists.
The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, Commissioner of Immigration, and his deputies. Acting on tips from the public, the officers conducted a sweep from Sukhumvit Soi 4 to Soi 11, following reports that foreign nationals were begging in the area, creating a negative impression for tourists.
The officers apprehended three Cambodian nationals: 38-year-old Ms. Dao, 43-year-old Ms. Chanthana, and 19-year-old Ms. Va Kim. Upon questioning, one of the women showed officers photos on her phone revealing that when they were not begging, they dressed stylishly to blend in as tourists. However, when begging, they deliberately wore shabby clothes to evoke sympathy and receive money from passersby.
The arrested individuals were informed of their charges, including “being a foreigner unlawfully entering and residing in the Kingdom and engaging in begging.” The women were then taken to Lumpini Police Station for further legal proceedings.
