A news article from Vientiane Times Newspaper about an effort to get rid of beggars in the capital city of Laos, in preparation for the up and coming 25th ASEAN Games in December of this year. I’ve seen some people that are making a living out of begging at temples and these are not the old and the young but young and healthy women. These individuals would bluntly ask for money from visitors to temple at Wat Simoung and Wat Chanh. They said they can’t work and can’t find a husband because they have “Loke Jit” or mental problem so need money to buy food and will take any amount.
Vientiane clamps down on begging
Mindful of citizens’ welfare and its international image, Vientiane authorities have stepped up efforts to stop begging around the city’s hotspots.
The drive is part of a bid to address the issue prior to the 25th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be held in December this year.
In the last three months, 40 beggars have been sent temporarily to Vientiane ’s Somsanga Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.
The individuals are identified as being only temporary beggars, including some who regularly return to the capital to beg after the end of the rice planting season.
Approximately half of those apprehended were identified as residents of the capital, while the remainder came from Savannakhet, Saravan and Vientiane provinces.
Vientiane’s Labour and Social Welfare Department Director, Mr Onsy Keophengla, said the beggars would be sent home after being urged to give up the practice.
Investigations have found some came to the city in groups.
Groups usually included more than one adult family member, often joined by children. The presence of young children is seen to be advantageous when it comes to soliciting donations from the public.
In the city, they sleep in temples, around markets and in the shelter of shop awnings when they are closed.
Mr Onsy said their unenviable lifestyle led to anti-social behaviour, including bag snatching.
Vientiane addressed the issue of permanent beggars some time ago, but the chronic problem of seasonal beggars remains a challenge.
The issue is regularly tabled at quarterly meetings of the Vientiane Party Committee and administration authority.
A Vientiane task force is now working with police officers in the villages identified as areas where the beggars are usually found.
Places favoured by beggars include Vat Chanh temple and along the Mekong riverbank in Chanthabouly district, as well as Khuadin, Nongduang and That Luang markets.
Additionally, the department is drafting a Vientiane Mayor’s announcement to call for cooperation from district and village authorities to manage the issue, especially as the SEA Games nears, Mr Onsy said.
At the end of last month, the issue was tabled at a meeting between the relevant authorities including those responsible for public health and security, as well as the labour and social welfare sectors at the district level.
From the meeting came the suggestion of raising public awareness, and providing the physically and mentally able with meaningful employment.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Onsy suggested there should be a meeting of authorities from Vientiane and the provinces that are home to the beggars, in order to reach a consensus on management of the issue. The department plans to form a taskforce to address anti-social behavior at the grassroots level to help achieve the goals outlined.
Meanwhile, a centre designed to house and retrain those found begging has foundered for lack of funding.
The Compassion Centre, which is being built next to the Somsanga Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, remains without facilities such as electricity, mains water and an operational kitchen.
While the structure was completed two years ago, completion has been hampered by lack of financial support.
When completed, it will accommodate 50 people such as beggars, orphans and old people who have no relatives.
The centre’s residents, who must first be approved by the local authorities, will be able to benefit from skills-based training courses offered in a supportive environment.
By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
April 23, 2009
Vientiane Times
