Homeless setting up tents on Thai beach raises fears of impact on tourism

Homeless people setting up tents on a beach have raised concerns about the potential impact on tourism in Thailand.

Residents claimed the vagrants could drive away holidaymakers as they allegedly took over popular seaside tourist spots in coastal city Pattaya.

Footage shows several homeless sleeping on mats, tents, and benches on the shores of Pattaya Beach, on June 15.

Some used public benches as makeshift beds, while others had laid out clothing or erected shoddy tents to protect themselves from the night air and ocean spray.

Others were seen sleeping shirtless in bustling party and dining districts in the city.

Some were drinking alcohol and talking loudly, sparking concerns among passers-by and business owners.

Locals said that various government agencies have previously conducted clearing operations, including screening individuals, recording their details, and following official procedures to remove them.

However, they claimed many of the individuals later returned and resumed using public spaces as shelters.

Disgruntled homeowners urged relevant agencies to implement a long-term solution to the problem.

One business owner said: 'We are concerned because many of the affected areas are major tourist destinations visited by large numbers of Thai and foreign tourists. The continued presence of the homeless could negatively affect Pattaya's tourism image in the long term.'

On June 8, a Bangladeshi tourist suffered a nose injury when he was reportedly punched by a homeless man in the face while walking along Pattaya Beach.

Resdients said the individual was often seen around the beach, urinating in public areas.

On June 2, police ordered a homeless man to leave South Pattaya Beach after he was seen masturbating in public near an old pier area.

On May 7, a homeless couple were removed from a residential property after allegedly causing obstruction and distress to nearby homeowners.