Thailand bans begging in public places, provides licenses for buskers

Thai National Legislative Assembly(NLA) has approved a law on Friday to outlaw beggars and regulate street performances by providing buskers with licenses.

The new law replacing the previous legislation on begging enacted 75 years ago, criminalizes begging and punishes individuals who encourage begging.

Once caught in public places, Thai beggers will be taken to receive occupational training while foreign beggers will be deported.

Meanwhile, busking and other types of street performance will not be considered as begging, but the performers need to inform local authorities and comply with guidelines set by law enforcement officials.

NLA member Wallop Tangkhananurak said street performers had waited for a proper law for 75 years.

Thailand issued its begging control act in 1941, which did not make any distinction between begging and busking.

Beggars are common in many parts of Thailand, especially in metropolitan areas and popular tourist locales. NGOs and state agencies said many of the beggars, especially children, are victims of human trafficking. Endit