A case study into the impacts of the extension of mass transit line and gentrification on local residents in a neighbourhood in Bangkok.

Abstract

In recent years, Bangkok has seen the introduction and gradual expansion of two city-wide mass transit rail systems – a sky train and an underground. Around some rail lines and stations this has been followed by the removal of some older housing stock, the building of condominiums, and an in-migration of higher-income residents to live in them. This raises the question of what impact these processes of gentrification are having on local communities. Although the benefits of a new mass transit system are not in question, to date, there has been little qualitative research into how mass transit affects local residents, particularly those undergoing displacement. This paper therefore aims to understand this further through a case study of a neighbourhood in Bangkok that has recently seen the opening of a new sky train line. Drawing on previous gentrification literature that assesses the positive and negative impacts of gentrification and using this as a framework of analysis, 50 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with residents in the case study area, 20 living in a new condominium, and 30 from the local neighbourhood. 10 of these local residents were in the process of moving as their properties were being demolished. The results revealed that there is some ambiguity in resident’s views regarding the change, with some airing a mix of positive and negative attitudes. However, mainly negative views were relayed by those experiencing displacement and by the more vulnerable households who saw this as a potential threat in the future. The paper concludes that remedial responses such as mandatory low-cost housing provision should be considered to redress such inequities.