Exploitation on the streets of Sanam Luang
Social activist Sombat Boonngam-anong exposed a disturbing pattern: brokers deliberately target homeless people around Sanam Luang. For payments between 500 and 5,000 baht (£12–£125), they open bank accounts, buy SIM cards, and even acquire motorbikes – all of which are then used for fraudulent transactions.
“Many homeless understand the risks, but the small payments or basic survival needs push them into criminals’ hands,” Sombat explains. In one case, a homeless individual opened accounts at seven different banks. Larger operations involve groups of homeless people transported by brokers from bank to bank.
Millions of baht moved through vulnerable hands
Local sources suggest some government officials, including police officers, are aware of – or even involved in – these operations. Homeless people often bear the legal consequences while brokers remain untouched.
The scale is staggering: a single account registered to a homeless person reportedly processed 11 million baht (£275,000). Closing these accounts is complicated because the homeless do not manage them, and banks lack cross-institutional coordination.
Police launch investigation – is it enough?
Police General Siam Boonsom, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, has ordered Divisions 1 and 6 to investigate the brokers. Authorities are working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Ministry of Social Development to identify and support affected homeless people.
Officials promise that if violations are confirmed, law enforcement will act, and any involved police officers will face disciplinary or criminal action. Yet many remain sceptical that these measures will truly stop the exploitation.
The case highlights the shocking vulnerability of Bangkok’s homeless. Exploited by ruthless criminals, they often face prosecution while the real perpetrators go free. Once a refuge offering free meals and access, Sanam Luang has become a hub for organised crime preying on the city’s most defenseless.