Beggars will need licenses under a new begging law

Beggars will have to register with the authorities and to be issued with special ID cards under a new law to regulate begging which passed the final reading of the National Legislative Assembly on Friday.

Under the new law, beggars will have to register at district offices after which they will be issued with ID cards which will enable them to beg legally without threat of arrests.

Begging is defined as an act inducing others to feel sympathetic with the beggars and giving them money. It does not cover busking or street performances by street artists.

The law also introduces penalties against people who force, intimidate or encourage others to beg for their benefits.

After the passage of the new begging law, a panel will draw up regulations governing begging within 90 days and submit them to the minister of social development and human security for consideration.

Thai PBS

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