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http://www.laopride.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi General Category >> General Lao Board >> Lao woman gives money to two beggars http://www.laopride.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1279682147 Message started by Lao Pride Administrator on 21^st Jul, 2010 at 3:24am

Title: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 21^st Jul, 2010 at 3:24am

Lao people believe that giving money to people who are genuinely poor is kind, and you will eventually be rewarded during your life and after your death.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by USA Joe on 21^st Jul, 2010 at 11:44pm

Question: would it be proper to ask beggar what they will do with the money before donating?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 22^nd Jul, 2010 at 12:37am

Yes you can ask them, but I wouldn't bother. If you intend to give them some loose change, does it really matter what they will do with that?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Baleno on 22^nd Jul, 2010 at 9:04am

I agree with the Administrator, your intention should be to help someone less fortunate than yourself. Fromthe pictures, this couple are certainly deserving of any kindness shown them.

The decision to give or not to give is yours.

Baleno

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 22^nd Jul, 2010 at 9:29am

Considering your donation will most likely be a small amount, you can tell the beggar that it's a gift for a cup of coffee. Of if they are children, you can say it's for some lollies. This is a more polite way to communicate with them rather than asking them what they plan to do with the money. Just my advice.

Elderly beggars in Laos usually say a few words to wish you good health and happiness after they receive your donation. If you are a foreigner, they may not say anything due to their lack of English skills.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by USA Joe on 22^nd Jul, 2010 at 8:21pm

Baleno wrote on 22^nd Jul, 2010 at 9:04am:

Wow what a concept.... my decision is mine... to give or not. Should I thank you for your permission. Haha. Go back and re-read my question, if asking would be proper. The issue was NOT about giving.

Beggars in Laos culture may still feel ashamed about resorting to begging... so the beggars would shy away from verbal interaction. However, in the USA, beggars are a bit more aggressive. Often time these alcoholic beggars will be harassing a person to give to them. And its not even small amount they require... anything less than $1US they will not accept. Thus it's wise to see where my pocket change will be funding. Understand now?

Admin, advice taken. Thanks.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 22^nd Jul, 2010 at 11:34pm

That's interesting about the United States. A donation of $1 US is considered alot of money in Laos. The average person usually donates 1,000 kips (8 US cents) to a beggar, and it's appreciated.

Beggars don't force or harass in Laos, they usually just sit at a location with a bowl of some sort and it's up to the public if they want to help them.

I think beggars tend to feel more comfortable having a conversation with locals than foreigners. Sometimes I talk to them on the streets, like asking what village they came from, how they got here, and I get a response.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by macro on 23^rd Jul, 2010 at 12:03pm

Some deserved to be helped most don't, better donate to orphanage or red cross. Complicated issue.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by JACKSPADE on 23^rd Jul, 2010 at 4:12pm

In Laos, it's not as bad at all. Panhandlers there actually use their money for food unlike the US. In the US from my experiences, are very nit picky about how much you give them or the form of currency. They even lie to your face to gain sympathy. I remember giving this homeless individual a zip lock bag full of pennies worth $4-5. What did this ungrateful prick do? he didn't want the money and walked off. Another case of mine, instead of handling out money, I took this person to a restaurant to buy food, I left the money on the counter for the cashier after the order...guess what happened? The guy grabbed the money and ran off. LOL

Lao panhandlers are totally opposite, they are true to their word on how they use the money when given to them. I usually tell him/her, please use it only for food and nothing else that could effect your health. So, it's not that bad at all.

I think India is the worse case scenario. There are infinite number of children that will chase after you when you give change to one. It's really insane. LOL

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 24^th Jul, 2010 at 1:08am

"Khon Khaek" are like a flock of birds and a swarm of ants.

There's so many poor people in India, but khaek India and khaek Pakistan come to Laos to live a rich life.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 1^st May, 2011 at 7:52am

What a sad sight. :'(

They also look malnourished. :'(

Hey Admin', do you still see these two gentlemen around?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Laos LXE on 1^st May, 2011 at 5:25pm

I hope Lao government have good social program to help poor people in the future. When I visited Laos I'll be very generous to these beggars.
;) :o

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 2^nd May, 2011 at 7:09am

I've never seen the two gentlemen before, our photographer took the shots.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 2^nd May, 2011 at 10:56pm

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 2^nd May, 2011 at 7:09am:

I've never seen the two gentlemen before, our photographer took the shots.

How often do you give to charity?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 3^rd May, 2011 at 1:11am

Quite often. When I see someone begging on the streets, it makes me feel sorry for them and it doesn't hurt to give them 2,000 kip (US 25 cents).

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 3^rd May, 2011 at 8:57pm

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd May, 2011 at 1:11am:

Quite often. When I see someone begging on the streets, it makes me feel sorry for them and it doesn't hurt to give them 2,000 kip (US 25 cents).

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

What can one buy with 2,000 kip (US 25 cents)? Seriously.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 3^rd May, 2011 at 10:21pm

You can't buy much with 25 cents, but you seem to forget that I'm not the only person on the streets giving them donations, so they don't just depend on one person for a living.

The beggars make a fair bit at the end of the day, and they're back again the next day.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Laos LXE on 3^rd May, 2011 at 10:50pm

Good answers Admins. If 50 people donate .25 cent that's about $12 = 96,000 Kip.
;)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd May, 2011 at 10:21pm:

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 3^rd May, 2011 at 10:52pm

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd May, 2011 at 10:21pm:

So, are you saying: you don't mind taking on the role of benefactress?

Do they even have beds - or matresses - to sleep on? I doubt they sleep where they 'work', right?

What happens when government officials see them? Are they treated with disdain and just ignored or do they give tips as well? Don't the Government help out in some way, shape or form?

Have you ever invited one home?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 3^rd May, 2011 at 11:11pm

I'm sure they have a place to sleep. They'd be dead by now if they didn't get any sleep.

I can't speak for all government officials, but some of them may give some tips.

No, I have never invited one home.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Laos LXE on 3^rd May, 2011 at 11:42pm

I don't think government has any social program to help homeless people. Lao worker don't have much for donation, average worker make $100 a month.
8-)

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by MrLao4ever on 4^th May, 2011 at 3:26am

Does $100/month include all people that live in the country side? Let's take an average from people living in Vientiane, I am positive that the average is much higher than $100/month (>$300/month). Does people with regular income pay tax (income/sales/property)?

llX wrote on 3^rd May, 2011 at 11:42pm:

I don't think government has any social program to help homeless people. Lao worker don't have much for donation, average worker make $100 a month.
8-)

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 4^th May, 2011 at 6:14am

$100 a month is per capita income. Some make more, some make less, many in the country side don't have jobs or income at all. Some of my relative are farmer, they don't have regular 9-5 jobs. Some from the country side looking for jobs in Vientiane might get disappointed, and end up going to Thailand looking for work instead. It's not like land of opportunity "U.S.A". Where you can just walk anywhere, to any company and apply for jobs.
;)

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by MrLao4ever on 4^th May, 2011 at 12:22pm

So it is mind-boggling to me so far when we have 200,000 illegal workders in Laos but the illegal workers forces khonLao to find jobs in Thailand. If we remove these 200,000 illegal workers then khonLao would not have to go to Thailand at all then and khonLao can replace these illegal workers positions ::).

llX wrote on 4^th May, 2011 at 6:14am:

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 4^th May, 2011 at 1:39pm

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd May, 2011 at 11:11pm:

Are you considering asking a beggar home for dinner now? [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Where do beggars 'hangout'? I never came across any.

Does Laos have any slums?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 4^th May, 2011 at 8:06pm

I don't know them and their background. They could be thieves or someone dangerous, so it's too big a risk to invite strangers on the streets to my place, especially being a girl.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 4^th May, 2011 at 10:15pm

Or they could be unemployed or has mental problem. That's why America have free health care for people with disability, 65 and older, they has social security. U.S government don't want to see old people, people with disability, mental problem living in the street. Sometime I think U.S is more socialist then Laos.
;)

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 4^th May, 2011 at 11:25pm

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 4^th May, 2011 at 8:06pm:

I don't know them and their background. They could be thieves or someone dangerous, so it's too big a risk to invite strangers on the streets to my place, especially being a girl.

Sounds like you stay alone?

Does Laos have any slums?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 5^th May, 2011 at 12:58am

I stay with other people, but they all work and are not usually home.

There's a mixture of poor and rich people in Laos.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Larb Dip on 5^th May, 2011 at 3:27pm

How often do you come across buskers in Laos?

What do they perform?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 5^th May, 2011 at 11:07pm

You hit the nails right in the head. Agreed.
;)

PEACE wrote on 4^th May, 2011 at 12:22pm:

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 8^th May, 2011 at 1:56am

Homeless people in Laos, but not necessarily beggars.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by longhang on 11^th May, 2011 at 3:19pm

instead of giving them 25 cents (which is a whole lot of money lolz ) i would hand them pepsi or a cup of rice. handing them cash will only make some of them go buy drugs and get more high and then commit a crime and it all stem from that 25 cents. so yea i think a wise person would give out food/water or some kind of material support like clothing.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 11^th May, 2011 at 8:49pm

I feel so bad for my people. When I look at them I see my brother, my uncle. I hope government has social program to help homeless people in the future. Laos is a socialist with only 7 million we shouldn't have any homeless or poor people.
:-?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th May, 2011 at 1:56am:

Homeless people in Laos, but not necessarily beggars.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 11^th May, 2011 at 8:51pm

I like your idea, buying them food and clothes instead, but they can't buy drug with $.25.
8-)

longhang wrote on 11^th May, 2011 at 3:19pm:

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 11^th May, 2011 at 9:00pm

When you approach them from "out of the blue" situation, you won't have any pepsi or cup of rice with you.

You can donate materialistic things through organisations, but when you're on the streets and a beggar comes out of nowhere, you just give them whatever you have, and this is usually in the form of money.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by LaoCowboy on 12^th May, 2011 at 3:33pm

Are there coins in Laos or is it all paper money?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 12^th May, 2011 at 9:17pm

Good point Admins. I has Khmer friends he saids when he visited Cambodia. If you give money to homeless kids 5-6 more will come ask you.
:)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11^th May, 2011 at 9:00pm:

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 12^th May, 2011 at 9:36pm

LaoCowboy, It's all paper money in Lao currency.

Lao LXE, Any decent person will give some money to the other 5 kids as well. Will it affect your holiday budget that much if you give 20-50 cents to each children?

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 13^th May, 2011 at 6:02am

That's true only 25 cent.
:o :D

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 12^th May, 2011 at 9:36pm:

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 14^th May, 2011 at 7:09am

Lao woman with her child, begging in Vientiane city.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 14^th May, 2011 at 4:37pm

I feel so bad for her and her baby. I'll be very kind to homeless people when I visited Laos. Is there a non profit organization helping homeless people in Laos?
:)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 14^th May, 2011 at 7:09am:

Lao woman with her child, begging in Vientiane city.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao Pride Administrator on 14^th May, 2011 at 10:07pm

My uncle works for World Vision Laos, he gets paid $500 US per month.

I recommend donating some cash to the homeless when you see them on the streets.

Title: Re: Lao woman gives money to two beggars
Post by Lao LXE on 14^th May, 2011 at 11:35pm

Very nice. You uncle have a good jobs.
;) :-?