Regional Rapid Growth in Cities and Urbanization in Thailand

Authors

  • Thanadorn Phuttharak Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v3i1.330

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the driving forces affecting regional rapid growth in Thailand, along with its impact, to understand the dynamics of urbanization and how it affects cities. The study selected UdonThani Province, Thailand, as a case study. This study collected data from academic and semi-academic documents, semi-structured interviews, participatory and non-participatory observations, and group discussion. The informants were residents within municipalities, government, and private officers related to city development, and NGOs. The results found that the driving forces affecting regional rapid growth in UdonThani province include: 1) historic events from World War II to the Cold War; 2) events during the Vietnam War; 3) Capitalist policies; and 4) the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The study also found impacts of regional rapid growth in UdonThani province including 1) land use change; 2) economic and societal change; 3) road and traffic problems; and 4) waste disposal problems.

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Published

2014-01-30

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