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Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng said Thursday there are just 1,600 homeless in Bangkok, and 6,000 in the whole country.

But, the Four Regions' Slum Association said homeless and slum dwellers are on the rise. They are getting younger, too.

In 1997, most homeless and slum dwellers were aged between 50 and 55. Eight years later the average age had slipped to between 35 and 45 years, according to association chairman Suchin Eiumin.

He said numbers are up because of outofwork farmers heading to the capital for jobs. In addition, factories are laying off staff because of tough economic times. Many homeless are exconvicts who can't get work.

The government has rented land from the State Railway in Bangkok and is building two temporary shelters for the homeless. One is in Bangkok Noi and the other near the Mor Chit Bus Terminal.

The Community Organisations Development Institute will built the twostorey shelters, each housing about 60 people. Residents will be given house registration, making them eligible for social welfare, health, vocational training and other benefits.