Thai homeless to be helped by launch of ‘census’

Bangkok: With the number of homeless people in Thailand estimated to be at least 30,000, nine agencies have joined forces to aim to confirm their exact numbers and provide them with better help.

The survey, being conducted this month and next, would determine the numbers of homeless people in 70 municipality areas across 45 provinces, said General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, head of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).

The move follows a previous scheme that aimed to lessen the plight of the homeless in which the MSDHS and its partners built shelters in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen with a total budget of 118 million baht (RM15mil) to take care of 698 homeless people.

Anantaporn pointed out there were many more homeless people who lacked the opportunities to improve their lives and currently lived in public spaces, hence the need to collect data in order to provide them with shelters and other aid.

Homeless Association president Suchin Aimin said many of Bangkok’s homeless stayed in staterun shelters but found that regulations, including the in-and-out time restrictions, made them feel they lacked sufficient freedom.

Furthermore, many made a living by scavenging garbage or second-hand items but were prohibited from taking the items into the shelters so they moved out and slept rough again.

He urged state agencies to be a little more lenient with their rules and regulations, in order to improve the lives of those living in shelters. — The Nation/Asia News Network