Couple Poses as Blind Beggars, Earn over 100K/Month

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Couple Poses as Blind Beggars, Earn over 100K/Month


LAEM CHABANG: -- Begging proves to be a lucrative occupation. A couple admitted to posing as blind beggars who beg for money from patrons of restaurants in Laem Chabang area. They make more than 100,000 baht a month.

The Laem Chabang Police were notified of a domestic disturbance in a motel room at Bungalow England on Pattaya-bound Sukhumvit Road. The motel staff called the police when they heard a couple fighting loudly in the motel room. The police arrived at the scene to break up the fight that was turning physical between husband, 43 year old Hon Sompetch and wife, 48 year old Tem Cholrum.

During the interrogation, the police were able to determine that Hon and Tem pose as blind beggars to ask for money from patrons who dine at restaurants in Laem Chabang area. Hon would pose as a blind man while Tem poses as his helper. Hon would sing, using his portable sound system, while Tem guides him along the road as he pretends to be blind.

The investigators found several bags full of coins in the couple's motel room. Hon confessed to the police that he can see normally. He told the police that he started to pretend he was blind when he found out how much money a blind beggar could make in a day. He and Tem make around 3,000-4,000 baht a day from begging alone and can make more than 120,000 baht in a month.

Hon explained that the fight broke out when he and Tem argued about how the money should be split. Tem wasn't happy with his gambling habit. Hon admitted to blowing away his earning at bars and gambling dens.

The police have imposed a fine on the couple on charges of public disturbance. However, they are unable to prosecute Hon and Tem for their deception as no victims have officially come forward to file a complaint against the couple.

Tan Network 2012-02-03