Bangkok —
On September 28th, 2024, Mr. Sittichai Aranyakanon, the Assistant Secretary to the Bangkok Governor, along with relevant officials, surveyed areas of Bangkok after receiving complaints from the public about ongoing disorder.
The team inspected key areas with large homeless and beggar populations, including Sukhumvit, Klong Toey, Wattana, Hua Lamphong, Pathumwan, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, and Ratchadamnoen Road in Phra Nakhon district.
During the inspections, the authorities recorded personal information and encouraged individuals to leave the area. Some were assisted by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) in returning to their hometowns, with plans for long-term solutions underway.
According to the officials, the survey found 215 homeless individuals along Ratchadamnoen Road, including 143 men and 72 women. In Sukhumvit, 20 homeless people were found, along with 5 foreign beggars and 3 disabled individuals who had already received the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout.
Meanwhile, in Hua Lamphong, 14 homeless people were found, with 1 person sent home. Another 14 homeless men were found opposite Hua Lamphong, with 1 also sent home. A total of 271 homeless people were surveyed.
Pattaya is also surveying and cracking down on homeless people to improve the image of tourism, especially foreign beggars and migrants without proper visas, as we reported here.