After a Thai tourist was left stranded in Cape Town without her identity documents, local law enforcement and the CCID stepped in with compassion, helping her find safety, support and a way back home.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 August 2026) – Few things compare to the fear, isolation and feeling of being small in an unfamiliar place against one’s will. A dread made all the heavier in the event of being alone in an entirely different country with no way home.
This became a frightening reality for Chunchang Chamipron, a woman from Thailand, who recently found herself on the streets of Cape Town after her identity documents were stolen in town.
After being pointed in the right direction, Chunchang sought help from City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Officer Inspector Telemarks. She asked for assistance after spending a night at a shelter but being unable to remain there because she could not provide any form of identification.
Inspector Telemarks reached out to the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) Social Development team on her behalf.
“With no documents, no support network and nowhere to stay, she was in an extremely vulnerable position,” explains CCID field worker Lonwabo Simanga.
“She needed safe accommodation, food, clothing and help contacting the Thai embassy.”
CCID Social Development contacted the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria, which liaised with Chunchang directly to understand her needs.
“They asked us to arrange temporary accommodation for her and assist with plans for her to travel safely to Pretoria. When she arrived, embassy officials were on hand to assist her.”
Chunchang was in safe hands and no longer lost, alone or facing the fear of the unknown, thanks to the local heroes of the CCID, who tirelessly go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
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The CCID teams are proud to collaborate in the interests of their clients and vulnerable persons, ensuring they are treated with dignity, especially when they find themselves in difficult situations.
“No one has to navigate a crisis on their own,” Lonwabo points out.
A huge thank you and well done to this organisation for helping a tourist experience the human kindness of our nation during a very stressful time, and for the commendable work they do day in and day out in Cape Town’s CBD.
Sources: Cape Town Central City Improvement District
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