German tourist beggar exposed in Pattaya

German tourist beggar exposed in Pattaya

He had gained sympathy from both Thais and tourists.

Benjamin Holse, 29, a German national, was spotted begging on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.

He had an excessively swollen leg and attracted a lot of money from sympathetic donors, Bangkok newspaper The Nation reported.

But he was exposed when he was later spotted in Pattaya enjoying the nightlife and a few beers.

He was arrested by the tourist police.

Earlier this week, Holse sneaked away from a Bangkok hotel that a German foundation had arranged for him to stay in while waiting for the issuance of his passport. He had initially claimed his passport was stolen.

'GET ME WOMEN'

Some of them claimed that he showed off more than 40,000 baht (S$1,580) when they recognised him.

"He also gave us money, telling us to get him some beer and women," one of the motorcyclists said on condition of anonymity.

Holse was described on social media as a poor man whose money and passport were stolen in Thailand and who ended up begging in Bangkok.

Lieutenant-Colonel Arun Promphan of the Tourist Police Division said on Thursday that the German Embassy would be informed of the latest development and Holse would be deported.

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This article was first published on September 27, 2014.
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