Forty-eight beggars, including 30 Thais and 18 aliens, were rounded up in Bangkok in a crackdown targeting panhandlers living on streets and pedestrian bridges.
The Social Development and Humanity Security Ministry, which launched the sweep Jun 22-23, found those 48 beggars who had no links with human-trafficking networks, said Putthipan Lertchaowasit, director of the Social Development and Welfare Department.
The 18 aliens were to be handed over to the Immigration Office to for deportation, said Mr Putthipan. Of the 30 Thais, one was sent to Srithanya psychiatric hospital, 19 were placed under the care of welfare homes and the remaining would to be sent back to their families, he said.
The crackdown will continue through Friday.