Organised Begging in Bangkok

A report on the organised beggars that can be seen in different parts of Bangkok. Usually in affluent or tourist rich areas, where takings should be highest. One day you might see a lady with a baby, and then the next day you might see a different lady with the same child. For those people who are not disabled, babies and young children are used as props, often being shared around the group. 06/01/2010. (Images taken throughout January)

There are two kind of beggars in Bangkok. Those who have "help" and those who are independent. By "help", I mean that they are organised. Dropped off at their location in the early hours of the morning, and then picked up late at night. Where they stay in the in between hours is anyone's guess. More than likely in one of the small slum communities that have grown up under the highways towards the outskirts of the city.

The organised beggars can be seen in different parts of town. Usually in affluent or tourist rich areas, where takings should be highest. One day you might see a lady with a baby, and then the next day you might see a different lady with the same child. For those people who are not disabled, Babies and young children are used as props. Often being shared around the group.

It is difficult to say who exactly is behind the organisation. Possibly the mafia, or the police, but most likely a combination of the two..... there is often only a fine line that separates them.

On a good day in a good location, takings will be in the region of $ 20. But the person sat on the pavement all day will receive very little of that...

For the disabled, they have little choice but to pay for the dropping off service. Otherwise they would not earn anything, and would not eat. ...

The most distasteful group are those who pretend to be disabled. The man in the baggy denim shirt, holding a cup in his mouth, is well known in Bangkok. At least with the locals... He sits there with his arms folded inside his shirt, giving the impression that he can only hold the cup in his mouth. A tragic scene, heart wrenching for many tourists. But in reality he is just a conman....