The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has drafted the legislation.

"The key parts in the new bill are about punishment for those forcing others to beg," a source at Government House said yesterday.

Under the proposal, anyone convicted of seriously injuring another person to make him look pitiful so as to earn more money as a beggar would face 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Bt160,000.

The penalty becomes heavier if the act is committed against two persons who are either aged 18 or younger, the old, infirm or pregnant women. The bill prescribes three years' jail and a maximum fine of Bt60,000 for people who encourage, hire, intimidate or force others to beg for money.

If the bill becomes law, it will replace the Beggar Control Act of 1941. This legislation did not anticipate the involvement of gangs and organised crime.

According to the bill, beggars will receive warnings for first offences and repeat offenders would be sent to welfare or em-ployment centres. The bill also stated that the government should provide proper assistance to the beggars who are ill, old, or disabled. Alien beggars would be deported.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation