Authorities in Pattaya are urging residents and tourists not to give money to homeless people as the city intensifies efforts to regulate public spaces and encourage vulnerable individuals to seek government welfare support.
The operation was carried out on July 22, led by Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinitkan together with officials from several government agencies. Inspection teams visited areas including Pattaya Beach, Soi Bua Khao and other locations following complaints from residents.
According to city officials, the operation aimed to identify homeless individuals, offer them social welfare assistance and improve the cleanliness, safety and order of public spaces.
Speaking to Workpoint News, Damrongkiat said the campaign is intended to improve Pattaya’s image as one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations while addressing public complaints about disturbances in certain areas.
He said similar operations had been conducted previously and that many of the people encountered during the latest inspection had already been approached in earlier campaigns.
However, Damrongkiat said many homeless individuals declined assistance from government agencies. He noted that Thai law does not allow authorities to force people into shelters if they refuse help.
According to the deputy mayor, some of those interviewed told officials they chose to remain at Pattaya Beach because they regularly received money and other support from both local residents and foreign tourists.
Damrongkiat also alleged that some homeless individuals had been renting out mats and chairs to beachgoers without permission. He claimed disputes sometimes occurred when visitors refused to rent the equipment.
He said city officials would continue working with relevant agencies to consider further measures, adding that any future action would comply with Thai law and respect human rights.
The deputy mayor also appealed to the public to avoid giving cash directly to homeless people, saying doing so may discourage them from seeking assistance through official government welfare programmes.
Photos published by several Thai media outlets showed officials transporting homeless individuals away from the inspection areas. Authorities have not disclosed what assistance or follow-up measures were provided after the operation.
