PATTAYA: Pattaya City and the Chon Buri Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security continued a joint operation on Thursday to screen and assist homeless people living along Pattaya Beach, officials said.
Panrada Attohi, deputy permanent secretary of Pattaya City, led municipal inspectors and Special Affairs officers, working with the provincial social development office and other agencies. The team checked identities, compiled records, offered advice and assessed living conditions before referring eligible cases to the Chonburi Homeless Protection Center.
Officials said the operation was meant to keep the beach orderly and protect Pattaya’s image as a tourist destination, while also providing care and protection to people without shelter. Many of those found were the same people who regularly stay on the beach. Some sleep there and rent out mats; others have refused official help. Several also have mental health problems, which officials said requires a cautious, legally compliant approach.
Panrada said Pattaya has worked repeatedly with partner agencies to talk with homeless people and encourage those who want help to enter the care system. When people refuse assistance, she said, officers are limited by the Homeless Persons Protection Act B.E. 2557 (2014) and must respect individual rights.
In cases involving serious mental illness or behavior that may endanger the person or others, she said officials will coordinate with police and local administrators so any further action follows the law and fits the situation.
