Whether or not Bangkok’s homeless population actually consists of the anomalously low figure of 1,093 persons (as speculated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration), it looks like that population (whatever its size) will soon have greater access to shelter and mental health assistance.
The Nation reports that 2008 revisions to the Mental Health Act, in combination with the work of several local NGOs, have conspired to provide help for homeless residents of Bangkok who have mental health issues.
Under the new Mental Health guidelines, law enforcement officers are obligated to provide medical assistance to homeless Bangkokians.
In addition, the Nation reports that Dr. Wachira Pengchan, director-general of the Mental Health Department, has said that his department is ready to treat homeless men and women who have mental problems.
Add to this a pair of NGOs focused on providing healthcare for the city’s itinerants, and things might just be looking up for Bangkok’s down and out.
In an interview, Adchara Saravari, who runs an organization called the Issrachon Foundation, pointed out that concerned citizens can help the homeless by calling 1300, a hotline set up to provide local officials with information regarding homeless men and women who are in need of immediate assistance.
