Flashermac Posted May 13, 2005 Report Share Posted May 13, 2005 You don't see as many of the blind bands any more, but around 15 years ago there was a story in the Bangkok Post about a businessman here who had set up a dorm for beggars. They had comfortable rooms, got fed well ... and got to keep 100 baht of the money they brought in each day. The guy bought the bands' equipment and transported them back and forth. He also had people dropping off beggars on their assigned "work sites". I think the solo blind musicians are probably genuine. But I'd be suspicious of a band with drums, a keyboard, bass and lead guitars and an amp system! The story I've always like is about the Farang beggar. Seems some BG ran off with his money, so he just started begging on the streets. He allegedly got as much as 1,000 baht a day -- since Thais thought it was fun to give to a Farang beggar. But after a few months, the Thai beggars got p*ssed off and turned him into to the cops. (Maybe begging without a work permit or something.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALHOLK Posted May 13, 2005 Report Share Posted May 13, 2005 Hi! Don't bank on it. About 10 years ago there was this blind geezer that came every day to soi Postoffice. He was led by a kid and banging away at the pavement with the mandatory metal piping. His eyes were completely white and nobody doubted that he was blind. He did quite well until someone saw him just around the corner on 2:nd rd. where he turned his eyes right, got into a car and drove off. regards ALHOLK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodin Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Well I'm quite glad that I didn't give to heavily to any of the beggars now when I was in BKK! Some of the beggars especially some of the amputees and mothers and children did make me feel quite disturbed while I was over there - possibly the closest I've come to true suffering and poverty firsthand. However in the UK I've always been told that a donation to a homeless charity is far more effective than giving directly to homeless peoples drink fund (not that I wouldn't want to drink heavily if I had no home) so I promised myself I would make a donation when I returned home. To my shame I still havent got round to it. So I was wondering if any of the Thailand residents here could suggest a worthy shelter or charity that I could make a donation to to fulfill my promise to myself? many thanks Rodin First post should appear soon in the Introduction section after moderation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whosyourdaddy Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Was just thinking that today. I walked past a blind lottery ticket seller at the entrance of Seacon square and noticed he was talking on his mobile phone. The guy had a nicer phone than in my pocket. I am in the wrong line of business Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli13 Posted May 14, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 just 'donate' to any legitimate local biz while in country say a BG, street restaurant, gf family whatever. and whatever you do avoid at all cost ais/12call sims as thats the worst scam you'll ever come across far outperforming the timeshare, daytrader or begging dudes! to put it more precise avoid the whole conglomarate of shinewatra biz oh and on the beggers & all just because you happen to come across a begger at suk or any other gullible spot in a 3rd world country whatever doesnt make you any differant than any of your countrymen who just stay in country whole life. so both of you may or may not donate to beggers, charities, NGOs whatever. absolutely no need to feel ashamed of ignoring those guys. or of course you could try to save the world Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCgringo Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 I also hope they get the well dressed older Indian guys that hang out near the Landmark, not sure what they are trying to sell as I never stop long enough....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thalenoi Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Flashermac said:There are some "legitimate" beggars, but when you see some being dropped off by pickup trucks and picked up again at the end of the day ... it does sort of raise your suspicions. It's time to get those who run this business in jail for many years to come, nah. Exploiting disabled people, disgusting criminals they are. But they will just get the victims off the streets.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.. Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Rodin, I'd recommend Father Joe's charity. http://www.fatherjoe.org You can read about him in this old post of mine. Cheers, SD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli13 Posted May 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2005 Looks like a very decent one indeed. Based right in the center of klong toey slums since 1976 or so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shotover Posted May 21, 2005 Report Share Posted May 21, 2005 suadum said:Rodin, I'd recommend Father Joe's charity. http://www.fatherjoe.org . . . Cheers, SD Agree. I listened to Father Joe speak about a year ago at the Neilson Hays Library, and periodically send contributions. Very impressed at his humility and common sense approach to make meaningful differences to thousands of poor Thais in the Klong Toey community. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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