Bill on the homeless passes first reading
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The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday passed a bill on protecting homeless people in its first reading.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew, who proposed the bill, told the NLA that
the aim was to help homeless people become financially, physically and mentally stable.
The bill defines homeless people as “stray” people who do not have an income or those in a financial crisis and aims to provide them with welfare.
As per the bill, a committee – chaired by the Social Development and Human Security Minister – will be set up and tasked with monitoring the homeless, providing them with shelter, food and clothes as well as helping them find employment.
NLA member Wallop Tangkananurak said this was a good opportunity to help homeless people, not just in terms of social welfare but also in terms of development.
Another NLA member, Songsuda Yodmani, voiced concern about whether the homeless would include migrants in Thailand.
Adul, however, pointed out that the bill only covers Thai citizens, though the government would help destitute foreigners according to international human rights principles, he said.
The bill was unanimously voted in and passed the first reading. An ad hoc panel has been set up to consider the bill before it is returned to the NLA for second and third readings.
