Khmer beggars testing ties and tolerance [in Thailand]

IN CUSTODY: Cambodians detained following a crackdown on drifters and beggars around the city. PHOTO: APICHART JINAKUL

ON THEIR WAY HOME: Illegal Cambodian immigrants, who allegedly came to Thailand to beg, at the Immigration Police Bureau after being rounded up in a crackdown on human trafficking. Also seized were a large number of begging ‘props’, including artificial legs. PHOTOS: SOMCHAI POOMLARD

The current uncertain situation between Thailand and Cambodia is having a knock-on effect on many of Bangkok's beggars

14/02/2010
By Erika Fry
Bangkok Post

On Jan 11, Deputy Prime Minister Maj Gen Sanan Kachornprasart, in a suit, tie and face mask, gave a press conference at the National Immigration Bureau. He was joined by Immigration Bureau Commander Pol Lt Gen Wuthi Liptapallop, also in a face mask; Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) Minister Issara Somchai; and 557 Cambodians, some who had lost their legs, and who were the apparent cause for face masks.

The officials, standing before the cameras and a table piled high with crutches and prosthetic limbs, claimed the day kicked off their campaign against human trafficking and smuggling gangs.

The 557 Cambodians - a group of 220 men and 337 women, many elderly or severely disabled - were deported as illegal migrants and dumped rather unceremoniously at the border the next day.

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