Thailand’s tourism growth has been linked to a rise in foreign travellers becoming homeless in Bangkok, with charities reporting more stranded visitors unable to return home after losing access to money. An investigation published by “The Disclosed” on June 24, 2026, highlighted a growing humanitarian challenge involving tourists affected by scams, job losses and poor financial preparation.
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The Bangkok Community Help Foundation said it had assisted around 45 homeless foreign nationals over an eight-month period. The figure only includes people who requested help or were referred by foreign embassies, with support groups warning that the actual number may be higher.
Many affected travellers arrive in Thailand attracted by visa-free entry policies and the country’s affordable lifestyle. Friso Poldervaart, co-founder of the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, said some visitors arrive without enough savings, insurance protection or a return ticket.
“The entry restrictions in Thailand are a little bit too lax at the moment. It’s very easy to enter for a long time. They’re not asking for a return ticket and insurance, plus usually doesn’t ask whether you have enough funds. A lot of people come completely unprepared,” Poldervaart said.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
The Issarachon Foundation said many stranded foreigners became homeless after falling victim to romance scams or cryptocurrency fraud. In some cases, international banks froze their accounts after detecting suspicious activity, requiring customers to appear in person in their home countries before funds could be released.
Without access to money, some travellers cannot afford flights home and overstay their visas. Once undocumented, they are unable to legally work, rent accommodation or access public healthcare services.
Adchara Saravari, Secretary-General of the Issarachon Foundation, said the trend was a new challenge for government authorities. She also highlighted cases involving retirees who sold assets in their home countries to settle in Thailand but later lost their financial security.
The Centre of Dreams shelter, operated by the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, has become a support centre for stranded foreigners as well as Thai citizens. It currently assists people from countries including Germany, the United States and Japan.
One resident, identified as “Jane”, a 57-year-old American whose real name was changed for privacy reasons, said she faced homelessness after losing her remote counselling job three to four weeks after arriving in Thailand. She had previously worked on Wall Street and spent five years working online before moving abroad.
“Right before I found Centre of Dreams, I wasn’t really thinking I was going to make it,” Jane said. She described suffering from malnutrition and dehydration before receiving help.
Support organisations said there is no formal social safety net for non-citizens in Thailand. They continue coordinating with families, airlines and foreign consulates to arrange assistance and repatriation, while embassies often have limited authority and funding to provide free flights.
The Nation reported that as Thailand continues promoting international tourism, charities and advocates are calling for greater cooperation between Thai authorities, foreign governments and diplomatic agencies to address cases involving stranded visitors.
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11 July 2026
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