Strangers in their own town

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Piak is one of about 90 people whom Lumpini park officials and park-goers mockingly refer to as “Lumpini Park residents”.The park is well-known to those who love outdoor exercise and enjoy brisk walks and fresh air. Mr Piak left his home upcountry and moved to work in Bangkok when he was 14, and claims he spends four or five days a week sleeping at the park because he wants to save money.He does not want to rent and send all of his earnings back to his family upcountry. “I have to save some to help support my family,” Piak said.Other so-called “Lumpini Park residents” also have their own reasons for being there.

“I bet if foreigners or some wealthy-looking park-goers rolled out mats and fell asleep, nobody would wake them up,” she said.Bunloet Wisetpricha, a researcher with Thammasat University’s Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, said officials should be trained to deal with people using public space because some of their antics such as waking people napping on benches or asking people with destitute looks to move on displays bias.

Its latest effort to bring them to the state shelter came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited the park early this month.“Some view these people as a disturbance while other visitors are worried about their safety,” Napha said.

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