Environmental improvement and urban crime prevention: a case study of selected slum communities in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Crime is a global concern, as it is a major threat to human well-being. In this paper, we argue that the issue of crime in modern days, especially in urban cities, is more complex than generally understood. Focusing on selected urban slum communities scattered in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, we examined and demonstrated how environmental improvement could reduce and prevent urban crimes. A total of 320 respondents randomly selected for structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was carried out through the use of Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results indicate that community-based environmental improvement generated elements that are favorable for crime prevention. These elements include community consciousness, a sense of community ownership and responsibility, community cohesion, and community self-defense mechanisms.