PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City is preparing a three-phase plan to address homelessness through regular monitoring, proactive outreach and coordinated social assistance, following a meeting at City Hall on November 6. Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkitjakarn chaired the meeting, attended by Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinijkarn, municipal officials and representatives of relevant agencies. The plan will focus on seven key locations where homeless people are regularly found.
The first phase involves monitoring these locations to identify and follow developments. The second calls for regular proactive visits to assess individual circumstances and provide assistance. The third involves screening individuals and building a database based on their specific needs, allowing officials to refer them to appropriate agencies for support in accordance with the law.
Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat said the city had previously conducted operations to address groups of homeless people staying in abandoned buildings, but stressed that continued monitoring was necessary to prevent the problems from recurring.
Wutthisak said officials must understand each person’s circumstances through direct conversations before deciding what assistance is appropriate. He stressed that the response should go beyond simply clearing public spaces or moving people elsewhere, with greater attention given to quality of life and helping individuals return to society. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining public order in a major tourist destination, particularly along Pattaya Beach and other public areas frequented by visitors. He called for regular inspections and closer monitoring alongside appropriate social assistance.
