Rapid urbanization-its impact on sustainable development: A case study of Udon Thani, Thailand

Abstract

This article focused on the pattern of land-use change based on urbanization and the impacts of land-use change on the local community in Udon Thani. Udon Thani was selected as a case study in this article because the rapid growth rate of the city was higher than that of other cities in decades. The study was conducted by satellite images analysis in order to compare the Udon Thani municipality and the suburban areas from 1989-2014. Group discussion was used with representatives from local communities, government sectors, and private sectors. Results revealed that the urbanization process has been settled based on both push and pull factors. Push factors consisted of the expectation of rural people in employment and income. Pull factors consisted of the expansion of the industrial sector, particularly in service and retail sectors, which affected the land-use change in the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding communities. In addition, impacts of land-use changes on the community were found from several perspectives, including the economic, social, and environmental perspectives.