Local authorities in Hua Hin are looking at clearer, coordinated ways to support homeless people in the city, following a multi-agency workshop held this week at Hua Hin Police Station.
A meeting on 28 January brought together municipal officials, police, health authorities and social welfare agencies to discuss how homeless individuals in the district should be assessed, assisted and, where necessary, referred for further support.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Hua Hin City Municipality, Hua Hin Police Station, Hua Hin Hospital, the Hua Hin District Office and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security. The session was chaired by Pol Lt Col Worot Krungkanjana, Deputy Superintendent for Crime Prevention and Suppression at Hua Hin Police Station.
The discussion centred on strengthening cooperation between agencies to ensure a consistent approach, with an emphasis on screening individuals fairly, respecting legal rights and offering appropriate assistance. Officials said the aim was to improve quality of life for homeless people while also addressing concerns related to public safety and order.
Agreed procedures for handling cases
Pol Lt Col Worot Krungkanjana
Under the agreed procedures, members of the public who encounter homeless individuals behaving disruptively, speaking incoherently or engaging in begging can contact the police emergency hotline 191 at any time. Police officers will attend the scene to assess the situation and coordinate with Hua Hin Hospital to carry out basic health screenings.
Background checks will be conducted in coordination with Hua Hin Police Station. If drug use is detected, legal action will be taken in line with existing laws, and the individual will be referred to the rehabilitation process. In cases where mental illness is identified, the person will be referred to the psychiatric department at Hua Hin Hospital for treatment.
Following initial assessments, Hua Hin City Municipality and the Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security will determine whether the individual is willing to enter a welfare shelter, such as Ban Prachuap Chok, or receive assistance in returning to their original place of residence.
Officials also highlighted the role of employment support where possible, as part of longer-term efforts to reduce repeat cases of homelessness in the area.
The meeting stressed the importance of public awareness, with residents and visitors encouraged not to give money to individuals who are begging illegally. Authorities said reducing direct cash donations could help limit the spread of the problem and allow support to be channelled through formal welfare systems instead.
Information campaigns will be rolled out through social media and other channels, with proactive public awareness activities planned in the coming months.