NLA debates drafts to regulate begging

Assembly member Monthian Boontan, who proposed the new law, said the existing 75-year-old regulation for beggars was not adequate to cover changing circumstances and had become outdated.

The new draft law, he said, would better define beggars by their behaviour. For instance it would differentiate beggars from musicians, who may need permission to perform on the street. Bona fide beggars could then get assistance from the state, while those found to be abusing the status would face criminal charges and penalties, Monthian added.