PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite continued efforts by Pattaya City authorities to manage homelessness and improve public spaces, many homeless vagabonds remain reluctant to use the shelters provided, leaving the city grappling with persistent social and public safety challenges.
On September 11, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet directed social welfare, municipal safety, and policy teams, in coordination with the Chonburi Provincial Protection and Quality of Life Center, to carry out another round of street outreach. The operation targeted areas including Pattaya Beach, South Pattaya Road, and in front of Wat Chaimongkol Market, along with locations flagged through public complaints.
Officials emphasized that shelters are available to provide basic needs, health support, and temporary housing. However, many of the homeless reportedly avoid the facilities due to strict rules, a desire for independence, or distrust of authorities, forcing them to continue living in public spaces.
Authorities encourage the public to assist in tackling these issues by reporting cases of begging, suspected human trafficking, or other street concerns via the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security hotline at 1300 or the Pattaya City hotline at 1337.
Local residents and tourists continue to face disruptions, while the city must balance compassion with maintaining cleanliness, safety, and order. The ongoing reluctance to use shelters highlights deeper social issues, including poverty, addiction, and gaps in long-term rehabilitation programs, suggesting that simply providing beds may not be enough to solve Pattaya’s street homelessness problem.
