In response to mounting safety concerns raised by parents, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has implemented measures to address the issue of homeless individuals residing near Satriwithaya School on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. The concerns were sparked by viral photos showing the presence of homeless people in the vicinity.
BMA spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapan announced on July 9 that inspectors from the Phra Nakhon District Office have taken steps to erect fences around several abandoned buildings in the area, including the closed Suksapan store, which ceased operations in February 2019. The purpose of these measures is to discourage homeless individuals from trespassing on the properties.
Parents have expressed worries about the safety of their children, who frequently encounter homeless individuals while walking to the bus stop or waiting for their parents near the school.
Ekwaranyu stated that the BMA has designated two alternative locations for donating to the homeless. These sites include an area beneath the Phra Pinklao Bridge, where 200 homeless individuals are provided with food daily, and Sake Alley on Assadang Road, which caters to 150 homeless people each day. To ensure a well-organized distribution of donations, City Hall urges those who wish to contribute food to use the online form available at http://forms.gle/2hZzssfChcJtrALK9.
Photos circulating on social media depicted homeless individuals occupying ramps, stairs, and raised platforms in front of abandoned buildings on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Concerns were raised about student safety due to instances of aggressive behavior, alcohol consumption, and drug use among the homeless population in the area.
