After living under Rama VIII Bridge for more than eight years, a 54-year-old disabled man grasped the chance for a new start. He walked with crutches to a vehicle that would take him to a state-run shelter where he was promised food, basic necessities and health care.
"I do not want to be a burden to others," said Mr Nueng (real name withheld). "I did not beg others. This does not mean I am arrogant. But if people mercifully give something to me, I have to accept it and thank them for their kindness."
Mr Nueng was taken in a vehicle arranged by officials to Ban Mit Maitree, a temporary shelter for the homeless organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, in the Din Daeng area. He was among scores of homeless people for whom the ministry's officials recently provided assistance.
Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Feb 24 instructed the ministry to work with agencies to deal with homeless people and beggars, with tangible results expected within seven days.
Mr Nueng, who was once a worker in an auto parts factory, but became disabled following years of heavy drinking. His muscles became weak until he could no longer work, forcing him to quit his job.
He decided to leave his house to avoid being a burden to his younger brother, who also had to take care of his own family. Mr Nueng moved to live under Rama VIII Bridge because it has a large space on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, where he could take a bath.
"I slept under a Bodhi tree every day with food and water provided by Thais and foreigners who were kind to the underprivileged," Mr Nueng said, noting he also earns money from the state-sponsored disability allowance.
Surasak Kanthaponsiri, head of the ministry's team responsible for dealing with homeless people and beggars, said people have different reasons for staying in public areas.
Some homeless people have relatives and family members, but have domestic problems, while others are ashamed of their unsuccessful lives, said Mr Surasak, adding many were found to have suffered from health problems or psychological disorders.
They decided to leave home as they did not want to be a burden to anyone, he said. These homeless people knew where they could go to have a meal or seek help when falling ill.
They seek earnings in various ways, including collecting plastic bottles and containers, selling water and sheets for sitting as well as helping in restaurants.
Another team was sent to Wat Intharawihan in Phra Nakhon district, where they found two Cambodian beggars with two babies in the temple's annual fair.
The two beggars were brought to face charges based on the 2016 Beggars Control Act at a police station.
The DNA of the babies would also be examined to check whether they matched the two women to determine whether the pair had committed human trafficking offences.
Apart from providing basic assistance to the homeless and beggars, the ministry is trying to come up with measures which would help them into proper jobs.