Born in Phetchaburi, Phorn is unable to return home because nobody is there anymore. She ends up living on the street in Bangkok, collecting discarded items and sleeping in an alley near McDonald’s restaurant on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Her working hours start from 1 am till dawn. She works day in day out, earning 200-300 baht a day.
“If I got a rickshaw, I would be able to pick up throwaways at a greater distance during the day,” she said.
Phorn and many other homeless people have been taking shelter on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The homeless are also commonly sighted in areas, such as Hua Lamphong, Bang Lamphu, Victory Monument, Pathum Wan, Yaowarat, Romaneenart Park, and Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok.
According to a survey by Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies in collaboration with government agencies, there are around 2,500 homeless individuals across the country, half of which are in Bangkok, as of May 2023. Reasons for vagrancy include unemployment (44.72%) and family issues (35.18%), as well as alcoholism and mental health.
Last week, Phorn’s wish came true. The Issarachon Foundation, an organisation that seeks to improve the quality of life of those living in the public, gave rickshaws to the homeless to allow them to start a new life. It was part of an event held at Uthokkathan, a worship site on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, to mark World Homeless Day on October 10.
Phorn is not alone in getting this lifeline. Because of a family disagreement, Golf is unable to return home in Phichit. For over a decade, he has been collecting discarded items. His working hours start from midnight to noon. At this event, the Issarachon Foundation rewarded his diligence with a rickshaw.
“I am very happy. I can now send remittance to my family back home even though it is just a small sum,” he said.
The event provided opportunities for the homeless to have access to basic essentials, jobs, and healthcare services. Additionally, participants joined the first-ever walk rally to clusters of homeless people around Rattanakosin Island. After losing jobs, many of them, over 40 years old, are selling secondhand items and living by the roadside.
“In fact, anybody can be homeless because every stage of our life is precarious. Covid-19 is an example of how the welfare system failed and made countless people homeless,” said Adchara Saravari, secretary of the Issarachon Foundation.
“Challenges are not only a need for welfare support but also improvement in public understanding and provision of opportunities for the homeless. Anybody may find themselves in this state.”
Reference: https://www.thansettakij.com/real-estate/607974
Thana Boonlert, Communications Team
