The Thai government is intensifying efforts to remove illegal beggars from Bangkok's streets, as seen in the video from the capital on August 1.

Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, said police will be conducting regular inspections of tourism hotspots in a bid to eradicate mendicancy in the capital city.

Thai beggars caught will be taken to the Center for the Protection of Homeless Persons to receive vocational training, while 'begpackers' - tourists who solicit alms - will be deported to their home countries.

Varawut said that since 2014, authorities have caught around 8,000 beggars, with 30 per cent being foreigners.

However, begging has persisted because it is lucrative, and fines were not enough to deter those who practice it.

During the peak tourist season, they were reported to be able to earn up to 100,000 baht (2,200 GBP) in tourist hotspots.

Varawut urged the public to help government efforts by refraining from giving money to beggars.

Begging is illegal in Thailand, and can be punished by up to one month in jail, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.