Cambodian Beggar Arrested in Pattaya Sweep Operation

Authorities in Chonburi Province launched a coordinated sweep on July 1st targeting foreign beggars after online photos of a disabled Cambodian man carrying his young child while panhandling in Pattaya's Soi 6 entertainment zone sparked public outrage. Officers apprehended 35-year-old Cambodian national Tok attempting to flee in his wheelchair near Pattaya Beach, though his child was not found during the operation.

During interrogation, Tok claimed his wife was often unavailable to watch the child, forcing him to bring the boy along while begging. He acknowledged being previously photographed and criticized online, which prompted him to temporarily stop the practice. Tok admitted to living illegally in Thailand for over 10 years, earning 200-300 baht daily from begging and choosing to stay because conditions were better than in Cambodia. He confessed to being deported multiple times but repeatedly re-entering Thailand illegally through natural border crossings in Sa Kaew Province before Thai smugglers transported him to Pattaya via van for 5,000-6,000 baht per trip.

During the same operation, authorities discovered two additional Cambodian beggars: 42-year-old Nang Moi, carrying a 2-month-old infant and accompanied by a 7-year-old child soliciting from tourists, and 50-year-old Nang Po engaging in similar activity. All suspects were taken to Pattaya City Police Station for processing before being transferred to Chonburi Immigration for legal proceedings and deportation. The two children were placed under the care of Chonburi's Child and Family Protection Home.

Officials announced intensified operations against foreign beggars and human smuggling networks, particularly targeting cases involving child exploitation, citing damage to Pattaya's reputation as a world-class tourist destination.