Authorities Urged to Help Beggars and the Homeless People in Thailand

BANGKOK – The Social Development and Human Security Minister, Gen. Anantaporn Kanjanarat, has encouraged the general public and tourists to report to the authorities when they come across beggars and homeless people.

Gen. Anantaporn said the Department of Social Development and Welfare has launched a campaign for beggars and homeless people to receive proper assistance and protection from related agencies. The authorities must provide all needed assistance to beggars and homeless people.

He said a pilot campaign has been launched in the resort island of Phuket. The campaign is now being implemented in Samut Prakan province, as it is one of the key industrial and tourism cities of Thailand.

The general public can call 1300, a 24-hour hotline, to inform officials who will provide assistance and protection to homeless people.

The campaign is aimed at changing the perspective of the general public on the correct ways of giving help to the homeless people and to maintain order in the society.

By Tanakorn Sangiam