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‘Beg-packers’ are now begging on the streets to fund their travels

For some, begging on the streets is all they have left to source money to eat. Backpackers should never fall into this category.

For some, begging on the streets is all they have left to source money to eat. Backpackers should never fall into this category.

Yes, believe it or not, some travellers on the well worn Southeast Asia trail are now begging for cash to finance their travels amongst the people of the poorest countries in the world.

The Western backpackers or ‘Frarangs’ as they are known in Thailand are quickly gaining notoriety for all the wrong reasons and being branded ‘beg-packers’ on social media.

From busking and singing in the streets to selling postcards in a pathetic bid to fund their trips, if there’s an opportunity to try and make a dollar. They’re onto it.

Begpackers Selling Postcards

(Picture: Twitter/ @ImSoloTraveller)

The photos here taken by people living in the region show the travellers holding signs which read ‘Hello friends! I need money for travel’ and ‘I am travelling around Asia without money, please support my trip.’

One appeal, which states ‘support our trip around the world’, is propped up by an expensive DSLR camera. Ridiculous.

Beg-Packers Busking

The ‘beg-packer’ rising was first brought to light in 2016, when Maisarah Abu Samah, who is from Singapore, posted two pictures of begging tourists on Twitter.

Speaking to France24, she said:

“It was the first time I’ve seen something like that and it stopped me in my 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 rules governing these activities.”

“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 neighbourbood 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 respectable”

‘People who do so are really in need; they beg in order to buy food, pay their children’s school fees or pay off debts. But not in order to do something seen as a luxury.’

Beg-packers Violinist

One person, named only as Khalid, posted a picture of a woman holding up a sign beside her busking partner.

He said:

‘People from first world country asking donations from third world country to help them travel the world.’

The ‘beg-packer’ trend has even now spread to the internet – with a dedicated website, Fund My Travel, allowing people to ask for donations.

Unlike the street ‘beg-packers’ though, the website supposedly only allows requests to ‘fund meaningful travel experiences.’

Supposedly. Because some people are using the site as a platform to get them cheap or free travel.

Beg-packers KFC

(Picture: Twitter/ @ImSoloTraveller)

One recent appeal, for example, begged for funds to allow one man, David, and his partner Sebastian to enjoy ‘outrageous adventure, eating bugs, cliff diving, scuba and jungle trekking’ on an extreme budget.

They’re asking for around $5,000to cover their airfares, accommodation, and spending money.

So far they have received $20). Let’s hope that’s all they get.

What do you think about ‘beg-packers’? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Source Metro.