Not just in Thailand, I've seen folks do that here too for food

[theking]

Thai man, 60, steals soap bars to go to jail and end his starvation on the streets

The man, identified as Phichit, readily confessed to the police after stealing three bars of soap worth 51 baht (approximately $1.41) at a pharmacy in the Sattahip district in Chonburi province on July 29.

The pharmacy reportedly has a sign against shoplifting, which warns perpetrators of being fined 30 times the value of any stolen goods and being reported to the police.

Some customers at the scene of Phichit’s crime reportedly volunteered to pay for the goods to help him leave without a penalty, but the 60-year-old man refused. He was adamant that he be arrested by the police.

[DuMa]

Happens here in the states too.  Street walker I call them are doing just that.  When life is hard, let the system feed you in prison.  Usually they do only 3 months n force out to make room for tougher criminals. 

[Visualmon]

Does Thailand have homeless shelters for these poor folks? 

[Reporter]

Does Thailand have homeless shelters for these poor folks? 

Based on a movie I saw back in the late 70s, Thailand does but for orphans mostly.

That country is full of wild foods. Be a hermit there and survive in the wild instead. Law enforcement isn't going to climb hills to get to you. It's better than in jail.

[Visualmon]

What about today? Does the shelter still exist?

[Reporter]

Let me check before I say anything more.