Bangkok halts food distribution along Ratchadamnoen Road to break the cycle of homeless gatherings, inviting donors to contribute through 'Baan Imjai' or Food Banks in all 50 districts instead.
On 4 August 2026 GMT+7, General Niphat Thonglek, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, visited Ratchadamnoen Klang Road to follow up on solutions for the homeless issue after a recent altercation among homeless individuals raised public concerns. He was accompanied by Police General Adis Ngamchitsuksri, Advisor to the Governor, executives from Phra Nakhon district, officers from Chanasongkhram Police Station, and other relevant personnel.
The Governor's Advisor said the visit was in response to directives from Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who assigned all agencies to collaborate. Discussions concluded that a key factor attracting homeless people to gather in the area is the distribution of food in public spaces. Although done with good intentions by donors, this inadvertently draws homeless individuals to wait for food, causing problems with orderliness, cleanliness, obstruction of traffic, as well as conflicts and safety issues.
Therefore, all parties designated the area as a monitoring zone with urgent measures agreed upon: increased patrols by municipal officers and police starting at 6:00 p.m. until morning, when homeless people gather; deployment of patrol vehicles for continuous safety monitoring; installation of public signs announcing enforcement of the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992 with legal action against violators; and a request for the public to refrain from parking vehicles to distribute food there. These measures began immediately and will remain until further notice.
Police General Adis Ngamchitsuksri, Advisor to the Governor, added that raising public awareness about food distribution is also important, especially organizing food distribution points systematically. Donors are encouraged to deliver food through 'Baan Imjai' or Food Banks at all 50 district offices, ensuring food reaches recipients directly without misuse. Bangkok guarantees this distribution system, which will reduce homeless gatherings in public spaces, minimize traffic impact, and enhance safety for pedestrians and road users on Ratchadamnoen Road, a public space shared by all.
The Governor's Advisor further stated that Ratchadamnoen Road is regarded as the 'living room of the nation,' requiring orderliness, cleanliness, and safety for citizens, tourists, and youth. He emphasized that Bangkok is not pushing homeless people out without options but has established 'Baan Imjai' to systematically support them with shelter, food, and care from relevant agencies.
