A husband and wife were arrested in Nakhon Pathom yesterday, April 2, after police uncovered an alleged child begging gang operation and rescued three boys from years of exploitation.
The two suspects, 36 year old Artorn and 32 year old Pimwimon, were arrested in Takong subdistrict, Mueang district, Nakhon Pathom, under Criminal Court warrants dated March 11.
They were accused of human trafficking for forced begging, along with unlawfully exploiting children through coercion and threats.
Police said the pair allegedly took children under 18 and forced them to beg at major tourist sites. These included the market around Phra Pathom Chedi, temple fairs and concerts in Nakhon Pathom and nearby provinces, as well as Pattaya.
According to investigators, the children were made to wear school uniforms to attract sympathy from the public. Each begging box displayed a QR code linked to the suspects’ bank account, allowing donations to be transferred directly to them.
The children were also ordered to record the amount of money received or photograph it as proof. If they failed to provide evidence, they were allegedly threatened or physically assaulted.
During a search of the suspects’ property, officers seized 52,200 baht in cash, most of it in 20 baht notes. They also seized two cars, six motorcycles, two motorcycle sidecars, three baht weight (about 45 grammes) of gold, begging boxes, school uniforms and QR code stickers.
Police also rescued three boys aged 17, 16 and 11, who had reportedly been taken in by the suspects while homeless before being forced into begging for three to nine years.
Investigators said the boys received no education and were made to do heavy housework during the day before being sent out to beg from 6pm to 2am each day.
Khaosod reported that the suspects denied the allegations and were handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.
The rescued children were referred to relevant agencies for protection and rehabilitation.
Elsewhere, immigration police in Pattaya busted a group of foreign beggars in a sting operation, arresting a group of Cambodians accused of soliciting money from passersby at popular tourist spots.
Some were carrying two or three children, while others allegedly pretended to have physical disabilities to gain sympathy from tourists.
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