The meeting, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, took place at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday (Apr 3) and gathered key government officials and agencies to discuss solutions for the issue.
The meeting reviewed the latest report on homelessness in Phuket, which highlighted ongoing challenges in providing support.
According to the report, 66% of ‘service users’ were either homeless or at risk of homelessness, with 90% of that group struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
Additionally, many faced chronic diseases and mental health issues, requiring continued medical attention at Vajira Hospital.
However, distance and staffing shortages have made access to healthcare a challenge.
Another key issue identified was family vulnerability, often stemming from poverty, lack of education and difficulties accessing government welfare programs.
Many homeless individuals also lack proper identification documents, preventing them from receiving essential services such as medical care and financial aid.
One assistance measure deployed has been the ‘Drop-In’ project, which has been actively working to provide welfare assistance, ID card registration and healthcare support across all three districts in Phuket.
A total of 125 individuals benefited from the project, including 21 homeless people and 104 members of the general public, said an official report of the meeting.
Additionally, financial aid has been distributed to vulnerable groups, including:
- 449 low-income and homeless families receiving B3,000 each (totaling B1,347,000)
- 98 AIDS-infected individuals and their families receiving B2,000 each (totaling B196,000)
- Eight individuals with critical social problems receiving B5,000 each (totaling B40,000)
Looking ahead, Phuket authorities are prioritising a more integrated and sustainable approach, said the official report.
The meeting outlined a plan for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing the formation of local multidisciplinary care teams and collaboration with local administrative organisations to address housing shortages and improve access to welfare benefits.
Officials also aim to implement proactive measures to prevent homelessness, ensuring long-term solutions rather than temporary relief efforts. With a focus on systematic support, the province hopes to create a more inclusive and stable environment for those in need, the report added.