Homeless being urged to move to govt lodging amid Covid-19 fears
Social Development and Human Security Minister Juti Krairiksh visited Lumpini Park and Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok on Sunday (April 5), urging homeless people residing there to move to temporary lodging provided by the ministry to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 and comply with the government’s curfew.
The curfew prohibits people from leaving their homes after 10pm.
“The ministry has prepared four facilities for homeless people – in Din Daeng, On Nut, Thonburi and Pathum Thani,” he said. “Besides three meals a day, we also provide personal items such as blankets, soap, toothpaste and sanitary masks.
“The problem with homeless people is that some prefer the freedom of outdoor life,” Juti said. “In the past we had provided free lodging but they ended up escaping to live in public parks or train stations.”
According to ministry statistics, there are more than 1,400 homeless people living in Lumpini Park and Hua Lamphong station.
“We need to convince as many as possible to move into the provided lodging to prevent them from contracting Covid-19 as a result of living in poor, crowded conditions,” Juti added.
