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Training on Garbage Recycling to Improve the Livelihood of Cambodian Beggars

April 13, 2006

Improving the Lives of Cambodian Beggars. ¹

Mr. Wanlop Phloytabtim, the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development and Human Security Ministry in Thailand, said that beggars are a chronic issue in Thai society. They can be Thai, and they can be illegal migrants who are working on voluntary or involuntary basis. According to a 2005 survey of Department of Social Development and Welfare, there were 938 beggars in Bangkok and the vicinity. About 49.89 per cent or 468 people are Thai, and 50.11 per cent or 470 are foreign beggars. The statistics from Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute (NRHD) stated that in January 2006, it assisted 84 Thai beggars (37.3%), and 141 Cambodian beggars (62.66%). For the latter, after repatriation, they tended to return to Thailand due to their lack of technical skill and knowledge

In response to this issue, the Department of Social Development and Welfare together with the Office of Deputy Commander in Chief, and Wongpanich Recycle Company of Phitsanulok Province organized a training on classifying garbage for recycling to improve Cambodian beggars’ livelihood from 6-10 March 2006 at the Ministry’s conference room. The training involves both on lectures and hands-on activities. Beggars will be trained to generate income from recycled garbage including how to manage a garbage recycling facility, categorize types of garbage/waste, and learn about the market system.

¹ Adapted from: "Training on garbage recycling to improve the livelihood of Cambodian beggars." www.m-society.go.th. 6 March 2006. (Source: UNIAP Thailand).