Despite city efforts, homeless are still
abundant in Pattaya, and in this case take naps under a beach coconut
tree.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Police and social-welfare officials updated Pattaya’s
permanent secretary on efforts to keep homeless people off city streets.
Pakorn Sukhonthachat heard from city municipal
enforcement head Maj. Col. Jeerawat Sukhonthazup and Social Welfare
Department chief Pannee Limcharoen at a city hall meeting June 11.
Somchai Sriroroj of the Ministry of Social Development and Human
Security was on hand for the progress report.
Pannee said most Thai homeless found in Pattaya are
men who scavenge for recyclables and live in wooded areas or abandoned
houses. The women and children seen in the streets are often illegal
aliens, she said.
Jeerawat said city hall officers patrol area beaches
and streets and send any Thai homeless people to a shelter in
Nonthaburi. He admitted, however, than many fled the center and returned
to Pattaya. Illegals, he added, are processed for deportation.
