Insight into internally displaced persons in Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand

Abstract

This research study aims to explore ways of life of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand. The study focuses on three groups of IDPs; namely invaded community IDPs, under the bridge IDPs and homeless IDPs. In general, the IDPs have different backgrounds and places of origins, but share similar causes of displacement. The displacement is commonly resulted from the economic, social, and health-related factors. In some cases, the IDPs seek to escape from their so-called surrounding environment. Nowadays, the IDPs live in every part of Bangkok Metropolis. They struggle to earn their living and hardly receive any help from the government. The majority of the IDPs do not plan for their future but hope for a better life for their offspring.

None of the government agencies are directly in charge of tackling the IDPs problem. The operations are scattered amongst government agencies from ministerial to local levels. This leads to redundant work, lack of cooperation and lack of continuity. The unclear government policy on the IDPs problem also results in vague operations. Furthermore, administrators have different perspectives towards the IDPs and handle the problem differently. In some district offices,

administrators use a compromise measure to handle the IDPs while others take a sever measure to crack down the problem. Some administrators simply ignore the IDPs problem. Some government officers at an operational level would like to solve the problem for the IDPs but are unable to extend any help. Without a clear policy, their helps may jeopardize a violation of the rules and regulations.

Regarding the social effects, the IDPs cause stress, intimidation, pollution to the environment, physical harm and damage to properties.