Pattaya’s peacekeepers tackle homelessness with beachfront initiative

Efforts to address homelessness in Pattaya took a significant step forward. The Peacekeeping Division of Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office, in collaboration with Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre, launched a targeted initiative to assist homeless individuals in the Pattaya Beach area. This joint effort zeroed in on Soi 13/4, the local market vicinity, and Wat Chai Mongkol Temple in South Pattaya.

Seven individuals were provided with assistance and relocated to the Homeless Protection Centre in Rong Po. Additionally, one person requiring medical attention was swiftly transferred to Banglamung Hospital. This initiative was sparked by community concerns and numerous public reports urging regular inspections and profiling of homeless individuals across different locales.

Residents have been vocal about the need for sustained efforts to identify and assist homeless individuals, addressing the root causes of homelessness. The growing presence of homeless populations has raised concerns about safety, cleanliness, and the overall appeal of Pattaya as a tourist destination.

Disturbing encounters have been reported, such as a mentally unstable woman fishing near a storm drain in Soi Buakhao and groups of homeless individuals near Tukcom in South Pattaya, sometimes engaging in disruptive behaviour that disturbs nearby residents. Incidents of theft at Yinyom Beach further highlight public unease.

To foster a more liveable and tourist-friendly environment, the community is calling for consistent, proactive measures. Residents urge ongoing collaboration between local authorities and social welfare agencies to develop holistic strategies that provide meaningful support to the homeless while addressing community concerns. These efforts aim to safeguard the city’s reputation and ensure it remains a welcoming destination for residents and visitors, reported Pattaya Mail.

In related news, police apprehended 12 homeless people who had been occupying an abandoned restaurant near Bueng Kaen Nakhon, following numerous complaints from locals about disturbances.

Police were alerted by the property owner about the growing number of homeless people occupying an old restaurant, causing distress to nearby residents. Officers were dispatched to control the situation, and the 12 individuals were subsequently arrested for their unlawful residence.