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.

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?

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.

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.

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  

What a sad sight.

They also look malnourished.

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

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

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).