Homeless Assistance and Protection in Khon Kaen Municipalit, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research aims to explain the process of assistance and protection of homeless population in Khon Kaen municipality and then identify the problems emerged within its process. This research employed qualitative data by conducting a semi-structured in-depth interview with government officers, civil society, Khon Kaen municipal officers, and homeless people.

The result shown that the prominent problem and impediment in homeless assistance and protection in Khon Kaen municipality consists of two main issues. First, problem in the process of homeless assistance and protection which includes inaccessibility to government welfare and assistance, limitation of related laws, capacity of staffs, unresponsiveness to target population. Second, problem in the homeless people themselves that consists of public attitude impeding them from society, living condition and environment, and complexities of problem. The issues described above are considered the significant problem and impediment for solving the problem of homeless.      

In order to seek for effective solutions, the organizations, both public and non-governmental sectors, should work closely together and build the strong network for helping these people and responding to their actual problems. In addition, the assisting organizations should communicate about the positive attitude and viewpoint with the publics in order for changing the image of these people. It may be helpful to eliminate social impediment and build a caring and helping society.