Authorities on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island deal with homelessness, begging amid tourism concerns

Authorities in Phu Quoc City, an island off the coast of Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, have announced plans to address the recurring issue relating to homeless individuals and beggars in public areas, which many say negatively impacts local tourism.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters discovered that in the areas around Dinh Ba and Dinh Cau relic sites in Duong Dong Ward and An Thoi Ward in Phu Quoc City, some lottery ticket sellers were occasionally begging for money in addition to selling lottery tickets earlier this week.  

Some even stood at traffic intersections to ask for money from passing tourists and locals. 

V.T.C., a 70-year-old homeless woman in Duong Dong Ward earns money by selling lottery tickets to tourists and pedestrians next to Dinh Ba. She also asked for money so that she could afford medication for her kidney illness. 

« Local authorities have launched awareness campaigns. I try to avoid begging and only accept money from those who offer, » C. said.

“I use the little money I have to buy lottery tickets which I then sell to earn extra money. I only do it because I have no other choice. I wish I had a place to live peacefully in my old age. »

C. is just one of many beggars in Phu Quoc. 

According to Nguyen Thanh Tuong, a tourist from Hau Giang Province, beggars can ruin tourist experiences in popular destinations like Phu Quoc, and authorities should develop plans to manage the issue.

In response to similar concerns, the People’s Committee of Duong Dong Ward has stated that it has plans to educate and manage the homeless individuals and beggars who congregate at religious sites and temples. 

These individuals often come from the mainland to ask for money, sometimes disguising themselves as lottery ticket vendors while begging, which can make tourists uncomfortable.

Local authorities are determined to manage and educate these individuals, many of whom have promised not create problems in the area. 

Recently, the number of beggars in Duong Dong Ward has dropped by about 80 percent, and most of those who currently beg are new to the area, said a leader of the ward.

The administration in Duong Dong also mentioned that various solutions to the problem have been implemented, including awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and providing gifts to the homeless and vulnerable through charitable organizations as part of the efforts to stabilize their lives. 

The ward has also worked with the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to make a list of those without a permanent address and send them to the provincial social support center.

Do Thanh Tuan, deputy director of the social support center of Kien Giang Province, stated that the center is willing to admit homeless, elderly, and vulnerable individuals. These people can stay at the center for up to 90 days. 

After this period, the center will verify their personal information and attempt to contact their family members.

If they have family, the center will reunite them. If not, the center will seek approval to provide them with long-term care, Tuan affirmed.

Previously, the Phu Quoc People’s Committee had planned to gather elderly, homeless, children, mentally ill, and disabled individuals who beg in the city and send them to the Kien Giang social support center to address the issue.

By Thanh Ha & Chi Cong – Tuoi Tre News – February 21, 2025