The Development of Legal Measures to Control Begging

Abstract

This research aims to study the legal problems related to the strict prohibition of begging, inappropriate penalties, the incomprehensive determination of people groups to receive quality of life development, and the inappropriate stipulation of penalties for those reaping benefits from beggars. This research is qualitative research and collecting data by document research and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques and interpreted comparison.

Findings are as follows: The Control of Beggars Act, B.E. 2559 in the provision of strictly prohibiting any individual from begging is not in consonance with the problem of begging in Thai society. The law with the provision of the penalty of imprisonment and fines to those violating the law by begging is not in consonance with the principles of the criminal penalty the government should impose only for serious offences. The protection and development of the quality of life limited to certain types of beggars do not include all beggars which lead to the problem of repeated offences. The penalty rate for those reaping benefits from beggars is not appropriate and does not offer the authority to the court to use discretion in designating the penalty appropriate with the circumstances of cases. This therefore, the only improper, fraudulent, or aggressive begging shall be prohibited by law. The law should also; provide specific punishment for such act, adopt the process of protection for beggars and development program as the main policy to reduce the number of beggars to ensure that beggars are self-reliance, and increase the sentences imposed on those who seeks undue benefit from the beggars.