The command centre already put 120 needy and homeless persons as well as beggars into custody during March 1-7. Of this number, 29 are foreign nationals.

The crackdown will help protect children from abuses by human trafficking networks. Sansern said there are now ten operation teams working in Bangkok and peripherals to ensure law and order especially with regard to needy, homeless persons and beggars.

Those in custody have been screened and will be sent to the Mitmaitree welfare home of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for further help, including occupational training, while foreign nationals who entered Thailand illegally will be sent back to their home country.