There seems to have been an increase in the number of beggars in Bangkok just lately. The tourist high season is approaching and I am sure there are now more on the streets.
There are different categories of beggar. There are the disabled, some of whom have really grotesque injuries caused by fire, leprosy or other causes. Some have lost their limbs and these are probably refugees from Cambodia. The infirm receive money from tourists and Thais alike, but be careful as they are not always what they seem. I have seen an apparent armless man begging with a cup in his mouth get up and move aware revealing a pair of perfectly functioning arms!
There are women with babies and very young children most of whom must be drugged because they all appear lifeless. These almost always part of an organised crime syndicate aimed at extracting money from the tourists. They are also unlikely to be Thai but Burmese or Cambodian.
There are children begging alone such as this little chap, sometimes they sit with a puppy in an attempt to extract even more sympathy and of course money. They are also at the mercy of unscrupulous operators or even parents. I have sometimes seen them with mobile phones obviously in touch with their minders.
Then there are the genuine homeless or mentally disturbed people who can usually be recognised because they are so filthy. These too arouse my sympathy.
If you are in Bangkok you will have to make your own mind up as to who receives your charity, but I for one will not give money as a reward for exploiting children.
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