PATTAYA, Thailand – Police and social workers rounded up 13 homeless and beggars on August 4 after complaints of begging children and thefts on Walking Street. Three were sent to hospital.
Deputy mayor Damrongkiat Phinitkan led the operation. Among the 13 were six men and seven women. Five were told to leave the area, five were taken to a shelter in Chonburi, and three were admitted to Pattaya Pathumakhun Hospital for signs of mental illness.
Operation sweeps multiple streets
Authorities patrolled Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya Second Road, and adjacent areas. The team included social workers, council members, city staff, public order officers, and officials from the natural resources and environment office.
The authorities said they would handle the problem systematically.
Complaints about children on Walking Street
After the homeless sweep, officials turned their attention to Walking Street. Social media reports had flagged groups of Cambodian children begging tourists and selling flowers.
The reports also mentioned possible thefts. The nationality of the children caught during the checks was not confirmed.
Business owners speak out on persistent groups
Local business owners said groups of children and adults appeared mostly in the early evening. They sold flowers and aggressively approached tourists.
Some of those involved allegedly used the distraction to steal from tourists, business owners said. The complaints hurt the atmosphere for visitors and damaged tourism.
City orders tougher enforcement
Pattaya city leadership ordered relevant authorities to strictly enforce existing laws. The goal is to restore confidence in safety for locals and tourists.
Pattaya also aims to protect its reputation as an international tourist destination. Authorities will continue to tackle the problem systematically.