Why Western backpackers are begging for money in Thailand
A Western backpacker who has run out of savings has taken to the streets of Thailand to beg locals to fund his trip.
The “begpacker” sits in the middle of a market on a towel next to his backpack and two signs, one written in Thai and another in English, pleading for money.
“Hello! I’m Alex, I’m travelling in Asia for 15 months. Sadly I’m out of my savings but I stay positive and hope to realise my dream to visit every continent,” his sign read.
“Please support my trip.”
Coconuts Media in Bangkok says his Thai sign reads: “I’d like to ask for your kindness to fulfil my dream of travelling. Please donate for my trip. Thank you.”
Next to Alex is a donation box with a couple of dollars inside. It is not clear whether the man sitting next to him is also begging or whether he just sat down to talk.
Alex isn’t the only “begpacker” who has hit the streets in Asia to beg for locals to fund their trips of a lifetime.
Last year pictures emerged online of penniless travellers sitting on the sides of roads in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Some are even attempting to sell items like postcards.
A woman from Singapore told France 24 Observers seeing begging travellers stopped her in her tracks.
“First of all, you don’t see many people selling knick-knacks or playing music in the street in Singapore because there are strict rulers governing these activities,” she said.
“And, if you do happen to see street vendors or street performers, they are usually in the town centre, and not near a bus stop in a relatively middle class neighbourhood like this. I’ve also never seen white people doing that.
“We find it extremely strange to ask other people for money to help you travel. Selling things in the street or begging isn’t considered respectful.”
In February last year American woman Becca Gronski was criticised for starting a GoFundMe page to raise $13,000 for her trip around the world.
