PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City on Wednesday launched a coordinated operation to regulate and remove homeless and destitute individuals from public areas, particularly Pattaya Beach, following complaints from residents and tourists, Feb 12.
At 10:00 a.m., Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinijkarn presided over the official rollout of the operation at Pattaya City Hall. He was joined by Korn Phatthanasin, Assistant Secretary to the Pattaya Mayor, along with officials from the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office (MSDHS) and related agencies.
The joint task force was deployed to Pattaya Beach to address ongoing issues involving homeless individuals, vagrants, and beggars who have been residing in the area. Authorities said the operation followed repeated reports that the presence of homeless people was causing discomfort and concern among both locals and tourists.
Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat said Pattaya City has been working continuously with MSDHS Chonburi to tackle homelessness and begging in the city. During the operation, officials detained a total of 20 individuals — 12 men and 8 women.
After background checks, five individuals were found to have permanent residences — one man and four women — and were escorted out of the beach area and warned not to return. Thirteen individuals — nine men and four women — were transferred to a social protection center for further assistance and rehabilitation.
In addition, one male individual was handed over to local police, while another male foreign national was referred to tourist police for further action.
Authorities noted that 12 of those detained were repeat cases — eight men and four women — and will be placed into the appropriate welfare and protection processes under relevant agencies.
Pattaya City reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order, safety, and a positive image for the city, particularly in key tourist areas.
