Phuket police were in shock yesterday when they searched an elderly beggar they arrested at a temple fair and found that the old man had THB100,000 cash in possession.
Police seized the 67-year-old disabled beggar from Wat Chaiyathararam after they received reports that several beggars disturbed tourists at the fair.
However, when police arrived, the vagrants scattered, and they could only seize this man, whose name was not mentioned.
Police found an ID card on him, which said he’s a Phuket local. They also found a thousand baht worth of THB20 bills and coins in the bag he used to collect money from people.
In addition to that, police also found he carried 13 stacks of cash, accumulated to about THB100,000 in value. The beggar said he got the money from begging and selling things he found in the garbage, and he had to carry the money around because he was afraid it might get stolen.
Police said the man beat around the bush when they asked about his family.
Police took the man to the bank to open an account for his money. Then they sent him to Mit Maitri Home, a homeless shelter in Phuket. The center will help him get in touch with his relatives, Workpoint reported.
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