Surat Thani Police Clear Homeless Camp Along Tapi River
Surat Thani police, together with municipal and social development officials, conducted an early‑morning operation to clear homeless individuals from the Tapi River embankment after residents complained about trash accumulation, public defecation, drug use, and threatening behavior. Nine homeless people were identified, four of them long‑term residents and five newcomers, many suffering from chronic mental health issues and lacking family or employment support. Those who accepted help were referred to provincial shelters, while others were returned to their hometowns with family notification.
Officials therefore integrated relevant agencies to swiftly address the homeless issue, aiming to restore public confidence and ease residents’ distress. From the field survey, they found nine homeless people—four long‑term and five newly arrived—most suffering from chronic mental health conditions, lacking family support, and unemployed.
Officials recorded personal histories and screened individuals. Those who wished to receive assistance were sent to the Surat Thani Provincial Protection and Quality of Life Development Center, pending transfer to the Southern Protection Center for Destitute Persons in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Those who declined assistance were returned to their hometowns, with police contacting their families to inform them and arrange care.
Anyone who observes problems involving homeless, destitute, or begging individuals causing disturbances can report them via the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security hotline 1300, available 24 hours a day.
