Numbers of homeless and sex workers ‘increasing in Bangkok’

[webfact]

Numbers of homeless and sex workers ‘increasing in Bangkok’

By The Nation

 

File photo: Homeless in Bangkok

 

THERE HAS been a surge in the number of homeless people and sex workers in Bangkok, statistics provided by an organisation show.
 

Issarachon Foundation revealed that the number of homeless people in Bangkok had risen by almost 10 per cent within a year – from 3,630 people in 2017 to 3,993 last year. Of these 2,424 were males while 1,569 were females.

 

Most homeless people were found in Phra Nakhon district (687), followed by Bang Sue (302), Chatuchak (277), Pathum Wan (224), and Samphanthawong (204), the foundation’s secretary-general, Atchara Sonwaree, said. 

 

The foundation also said that more elderly people and mentally ill people were living on the streets after being evicted from their homes by their families.

 

There is also an increase in the number of sex workers, especially in the Rajdamnoen area, Atchara said. Most of these women were factory workers who entered the trade for economic reasons, or because the factories where they worked had closed down. 

 

These rising numbers show that Bangkok’s policies do not tackle the problem at its root, the foundation pointed out.

 

Although homeless people were forced out by the authorities from areas such as Phahurat, Sanam Luang and Khlong Lod, they did not disappear but simply moved to areas along BTS stations on the Sukhumvit Line, she said. 

 

Also, state-run shelters that take care of the homeless and provide them with job training after they are “captured” are too crowded, as they also take care of elderly people, as well as mentally ill people. 

 

And although they receive job training from these facilities, without the money to start a small business they have no other choice but to end up on the street again, Atchara said.

 

To tackle these problems at the core, the foundation proposed that the community play a more active role by providing job training to their community members. Once these homeless people are properly trained, recruiters from the Employment Department should find jobs for them. 

 

The foundation also proposed that the state allocate a budget to provide financial support to families to ease the financial stress of taking care of elderly members. 

 

It is not too difficult to make Bangkok free of homeless people, said foundation president Sophon Pornchokchai.

 

He said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration should allocate 1 per cent of its total budget, or about Bt730 million, to take care of homeless residents. 

 

With a Bt500 budget for each homeless individual, the BMA can provide basic needs such as food and shelter as well as give them job training, and employment support to enable them to “stand on their own feet”, he said.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30362900

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-01-25

[Samui Bodoh]

What a terribly sad, depressing story.

 

Sadly, it is a leading indicator that a government is unwilling and/or unable to execute it's primary mandate of caring for its people.

 

I sincerely hope that Thai people will see the situation as it exists in the city (and elsewhere) and then vote accordingly...

 

 

 

Edited January 24, 2019 by Samui Bodoh

[HuskerDo]

16 minutes ago, ubon farang said:

There will always be homeless people. Amsterdam was the worst I have seen but Sydney New York all bad. The world is like a big tree. At the top are the rich and powerful In the middle are the people who do their bidding and work to survive and at the bottom are the ones who fell out of the tree and are left behind ( The Homeless) That is how the system works all around the world

Everyone who is an adult is responsible for their lives. I hear so much about people who "fell between the cracks" but there are many others in the same situation who dug themselves out of poverty. It's all a mindset. What do people really want in life and how hard are they working towards that goal? Yes, there are things that make it more difficult in various countries but it's doable where you are.

[HuskerDo]

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

What a terribly sad, depressing story.

 

Sadly, it is a leading indicator that a government is unwilling and/or unable to execute it's primary mandate of caring for its people. 

 

I sincerely hope that Thai people will see the situation as it exists in the city (and elsewhere) and then vote accordingly...

 

 

 

As I mentioned before all adults are responsible for their lives. People who rely on the govt don't really have any goals in life. There is always a way and an option if you work hard. It's not any govt's job to provide jobs, food, medical care, etc for everyone. That would fall under the umbrella of communism.  

[faraday]

A horrible situation for so many: And it need not be like that.

 

Saying that people are responsible for their lives, sounds as if personal blame is being attached to their plight. It really, is not, that simple. Some people's lives get so muddled & then other events - which become uncontrollable, clump together & suddenly they're homeless. It can happen very quickly.

 

The very sad fact is that for too many - & you can see the desperate situation here, homelessness is the last rung on their lives.

 

 

 

[rkidlad]

1 hour ago, HuskerDo said:

As I mentioned before all adults are responsible for their lives. People who rely on the govt don't really have any goals in life. There is always a way and an option if you work hard. It's not any govt's job to provide jobs, food, medical care, etc for everyone. That would fall under the umbrella of communism.  

I’m a strong believer of people being responsible for them themselves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show compassion and help others when we can. I’d rather live in a society who genuinely encourages and wants to help each other than one that’s just each man for himself. 

[George Bowman]

3 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

What a terribly sad, depressing story.

 

Sadly, it is a leading indicator that a government is unwilling and/or unable to execute it's primary mandate of caring for its people.

 

I sincerely hope that Thai people will see the situation as it exists in the city (and elsewhere) and then vote accordingly...

Samui Bodoh hit the nail on the head. Normally, I try to avoid Bangkok, but occasionally it is a must. The last few trips, I have noticed an increase in the homeless in and around the downtown areas. One person in particular made me realize how lucky I have been in life.

 

I don't know anything about this young lady that was trying to sleep early one morning, but I do know that chances are her life is going to get much tougher living on the streets of Bangkok...

 

Edited January 24, 2019 by missoura

[LazySlipper]

2 hours ago, ubon farang said:

The world is like a big tree. At the top are the rich and powerful In the middle are the people who do their bidding and work to survive and at the bottom are the ones who fell out of the tree and are left behind

And all in all the world economies are doing well, so say our politicians. I reckon, one day, when I can no longer work and support myself that I will join the ranks back home in my native Canada. To be eligible for pension there one has to have lived a minimum of 20 years past the age of 18. I left my country because after all the years working there I had managed to accumulate nothing in the matters of wealth or savings. My life here has been much better, but I do realize that some day, with the stupid restrictions here on foreigners, that I will end up sleeping under a bridge back home.

 

Nothing will be done for these poor derelicts and I am not in a position to help them either. My pity goes out to them and myself and I do believe that this is the reason that many falang commit suicide in Thailand rather than go home to be homeless. Someday I will be "Leaving Las Vegas" too I guess.

[BritManToo]

3 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

Everyone who is an adult is responsible for their lives.

Surely the mentally ill aren't responsible for their lives?

I wouldn't include the sick or the elderly either.

 

Some people need the help of others to survive.

[Baerboxer]

4 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

What a terribly sad, depressing story.

 

Sadly, it is a leading indicator that a government is unwilling and/or unable to execute it's primary mandate of caring for its people.

 

I sincerely hope that Thai people will see the situation as it exists in the city (and elsewhere) and then vote accordingly...

 

 

 

 

 

What policies are any of the parties fielding candidates in the upcoming elections including in their manifestos to specifically address homelessness and sex work?

 

Based on your primary mandate, many governments around the world are failing and/or unwilling.

 

I don't think many, if any, governments really regard your primary mandate at their primary mandate.

 

Sad as that may be.

[Baerboxer]

44 minutes ago, LazySlipper said:

And all in all the world economies are doing well, so say our politicians. I reckon, one day, when I can no longer work and support myself that I will join the ranks back home in my native Canada. To be eligible for pension there one has to have lived a minimum of 20 years past the age of 18. I left my country because after all the years working there I had managed to accumulate nothing in the matters of wealth or savings. My life here has been much better, but I do realize that some day, with the stupid restrictions here on foreigners, that I will end up sleeping under a bridge back home.

 

Nothing will be done for these poor derelicts and I am not in a position to help them either. My pity goes out to them and myself and I do believe that this is the reason that many falang commit suicide in Thailand rather than go home to be homeless. Someday I will be "Leaving Las Vegas" too I guess.

 

It's a blight on society and an indication of how little mankind has really progressed. We are in our third millennium and we still have massive social divisions. Divisions based on wealth, class, ethnicity and even religious believes. We have governments that have become businesses in which those running the show become very wealthy with very comfortable lives and excellent futures for their offspring, whilst those in need of support are ignored, marginalized and shunned.

 

Governments, as one poster suggests, ought to have the welfare and care of their people as their primary mandate and concern. How ironic is that when their main concern seems to themselves and their families? In the UK poverty is on the rise, many rely on food banks, homelessness is on the rise, street crime is rampant, but the politicians and their cronies are doing very nicely. Even the money laundering and unusual wealth rules don't seem to affect or apply to them. 

 

Governments no longer rule for the benefit of their people, nor do they serve them. And this is regardless of the type of government they are.

[StayinThailand2much]

3 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

Everyone who is an adult is responsible for their lives. I hear so much about people who "fell between the cracks" but there are many others in the same situation who dug themselves out of poverty. It's all a mindset. What do people really want in life and how hard are they working towards that goal? Yes, there are things that make it more difficult in various countries but it's doable where you are.

Yes, I know people (in the West) who could. However, along the BTS Sukhumvit line, as stated in the article, "live" many homeless who are clearly mentally ill and or/elderly. (I lived in an apartment right at the road and nearby, at night, homeless could be seen often, yelling and shouting.)

[PatOngo]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The foundation also said that more elderly people and mentally ill people were living on the streets after being evicted from their homes by their families.

Thai Niyom Yangyuan is clearly a failure, when families can't unite what chance does the country have of uniting!

[puukao]

3 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

Everyone who is an adult is responsible for their lives. I hear so much about people who "fell between the cracks" but there are many others in the same situation who dug themselves out of poverty. It's all a mindset. What do people really want in life and how hard are they working towards that goal? Yes, there are things that make it more difficult in various countries but it's doable where you are.

What if the person has a mental disorder, health issues, needed surgery that was super expensive, then lost his job, brain issues....  

 

Autism or something.  your parents die, you have no support group, you need surgery, you try to get work...now homeless.  you are really going to blame them and tell them it's all a mindset??

 

what about if you are a girl in country xxx with no food, aids, and whatever.... yes, a kid with no support.  now homeless.  you blame them?

 

what about a war veteran with pstd and leg amputated, etc....

 

come on, get off your high horse

 

 

[Baerboxer]

4 hours ago, Pilotman said:

and how does this differ from the UK and its government.  London is awash with the homeless, as are all the major UK cities. Its not just a Thai problem. 

 

It doesn't. Nor does it differ from other countries and cities around the world.

 

More specifically, for Thailand and Bangkok, previous elected governments haven't done much to tackle these issues either, nor does it seem to be high on the agenda of the parties fielding candidates for the upcoming election. But hey, it's nice for some to pretend it's all the current governments fault, because they weren't elected you know!

[thaiguzzi]

2 hours ago, missoura said:

Normally, I try to avoid Bangkok, but occasionally it is a must.

I am fortunate that i have managed to avoid it now for approx 10 years.

The closest i get to the dreadful place is either driving around it for a bi-annual holiday, or Swampy airport every couple of years for a short trip home.

[hansnl]

6 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

What a terribly sad, depressing story.

 

Sadly, it is a leading indicator that a government is unwilling and/or unable to execute it's primary mandate of caring for its people.

 

I sincerely hope that Thai people will see the situation as it exists in the city (and elsewhere) and then vote accordingly...

 

 

 

The same is happening in the western countries.

Vote whatever you want, here and there, the growth in homeless people and sexy workers is growing alle over the world.

Governments are facilitating the rich to get even richer, companies to earn more and more for te shareholders and the poor get poorer.

[murraynz]

i think being 'homeless' in thailand, is not comparable to being 'homeless' in western countries.

in western countries, there are all sorts of govt 'handouts' or benefits available to these people.

sure, there may be the odd genuine needy case, but most are just lazy bludgers...

thailand is NOT  a welfare state, so the homeless or jobless, get NO  assistance...from the govt.

 

[sawadeeken]

THANK YOU MR. PM...........

Thai folks cannot make a living selling things on the sidewalks...... So now they are sleeping on the sidewalks......

Now days the Junta only cares about the well to do.... HiSo's...... (and submarines and tanks for the country's 'big-face')...

Keeping all the 'poor-folks' POOR........ Gives you and all your HiSo friends a cheap 'labor market' for finding all your house-maids and servants at minimal pay....... You have so many thousands in Issan who want to come clean your houses for just a pittance........ You've purposely kept the poor.... poor....... (With no compassion) 

And now you've hopes of continuing this trend by becoming an 'elected leader'

Somehow I think there are more poor votes than rich-folks to vote for you..... (Whenever that actually happens)

[Mukdahanman]

I wonder what the ‘job training’ consists of 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

Everyone who is an adult is responsible for their lives. I hear so much about people who "fell between the cracks" but there are many others in the same situation who dug themselves out of poverty. It's all a mindset. What do people really want in life and how hard are they working towards that goal? Yes, there are things that make it more difficult in various countries but it's doable where you are.

The exception being for those that received litteraly no education, the exception being for those that have mental issues and have been abandoned by the family and health system, the exception being for those that have been evicted from accommodation for what ever reason, the exception being for those many people who simply cannot get the required skills to even get a CV together to get a foot in the door for an interview let alone a job !!!

But of course from your smug point of view "it's all doable" !!!!

 

[wwest5829]

6 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

As I mentioned before all adults are responsible for their lives. People who rely on the govt don't really have any goals in life. There is always a way and an option if you work hard. It's not any govt's job to provide jobs, food, medical care, etc for everyone. That would fall under the umbrella of communism.  

Ha! Or fall under the umbrella of living in a society imbued with carrying out the teachings of the great thinkers.

[HuskerDo]

4 hours ago, rkidlad said:

I’m a strong believer of people being responsible for them themselves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show compassion and help others when we can. I’d rather live in a society who genuinely encourages and wants to help each other than one that’s just each man for himself. 

I'm not at all against compassion when it's appropriate but when people don't do their best to improve their conditions and circumstances but rather step back and want others (govt) to do it for them it's a problem. I was raised In a dirt poor family where my father worked three jobs to provide for his family. I decided to rise above and spent every hour either working, sleeping or at school studying until I graduated and started my professional career. I achieved and know if anyone else truly wants to escape poverty they can. It is indeed a mindset.

[jvs]

6 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

As I mentioned before all adults are responsible for their lives. People who rely on the govt don't really have any goals in life. There is always a way and an option if you work hard. It's not any govt's job to provide jobs, food, medical care, etc for everyone. That would fall under the umbrella of communism.  

Good for you!You have all your ducks in a row!!

Not everyone is so lucky,sure you had to fight to be where you are but some people lose the fight and after that the will to fight.

I hope for you you will never have a mental illness.

Yes for some folks it is a choice to be homeless but not for most i can assure you.

Some need major help amd some just need a little guidance.

Have a nice day.

Edited January 25, 2019 by jvs

[HuskerDo]

2 hours ago, puukao said:

What if the person has a mental disorder, health issues, needed surgery that was super expensive, then lost his job, brain issues....  

 

Autism or something.  your parents die, you have no support group, you need surgery, you try to get work...now homeless.  you are really going to blame them and tell them it's all a mindset??

 

what about if you are a girl in country xxx with no food, aids, and whatever.... yes, a kid with no support.  now homeless.  you blame them?

 

what about a war veteran with pstd and leg amputated, etc....

 

come on, get off your high horse

 

 

You list many reasons but ultimately all are responsible for their own course in life. Folks with autism, mental disorders, etc should have stayed in their home country where they are able to receive care if they desire.

[Briggsy]

2 minutes ago, HuskerDo said:

You list many reasons but ultimately all are responsible for their own course in life. Folks with autism, mental disorders, etc should have stayed in their home country where they are able to receive care if they desire.

This thread is about Thais in Thailand ????

[pegman]

3 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

 

It's a blight on society and an indication of how little mankind has really progressed. We are in our third millennium and we still have massive social divisions. Divisions based on wealth, class, ethnicity and even religious believes. We have governments that have become businesses in which those running the show become very wealthy with very comfortable lives and excellent futures for their offspring, whilst those in need of support are ignored, marginalized and shunned.

 

Governments, as one poster suggests, ought to have the welfare and care of their people as their primary mandate and concern. How ironic is that when their main concern seems to themselves and their families? In the UK poverty is on the rise, many rely on food banks, homelessness is on the rise, street crime is rampant, but the politicians and their cronies are doing very nicely. Even the money laundering and unusual wealth rules don't seem to affect or apply to them. 

 

Governments no longer rule for the benefit of their people, nor do they serve them. And this is regardless of the type of government they are.

" We are in our third millennium an ........."

I think you can add useless schools to your list of ills.

[HuskerDo]

28 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

The exception being for those that received litteraly no education, the exception being for those that have mental issues and have been abandoned by the family and health system, the exception being for those that have been evicted from accommodation for what ever reason, the exception being for those many people who simply cannot get the required skills to even get a CV together to get a foot in the door for an interview let alone a job !!!

But of course from your smug point of view "it's all doable" !!!!

 

Yes, it's all doable if there is enough desire.

[HuskerDo]

5 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

This thread is about Thais in Thailand ????

No, it's about the homeless and xxx workers. Either can be from any country.  

[LazySlipper]

6 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

There is always a way and an option if you work hard. It's not any govt's job to provide jobs, food, medical care, etc for everyone. That would fall under the umbrella of communism.  

No there isn't always a way... sorry... 

Some people have disabilities and another thing is that it is the gvt that creates bridges and barriers to people actually getting a head in life. The level of taxation in my country does not represent the redistribution of wealth it should. When my time comes to retire you better believe that I count on my gvt to subsidize me. They taxed me on my salary and added sales tax on top of that... they over tax fuel etc etc... The gvt should be accountable because they are elected by us at the end of the day.