Development in Thailand's extended metropolitan region: the socio-economic and political implications of rapid change in Ayutthaya District, central Thailand
Arghiros, D.; Wongsekiarttirat, W.
Uneven development in Thailand: 125-145
1996
Document Number: 217603
The paper notes that within Thailand there has been some rapid growth of areas, the rapidity and reach of infrastructural development has changed some regions completely. This particularly applies to settlements in the Extended Bangkok Metropolitan Region (EBMR), which is eleven provinces that form corridors of development radiating from the Bangkok metropolis. Improved road networks now give access to most settlements, replacing waterways as arteries of communication; most communities also have electricity, and increasingly telecommunications. The paper examines some of the changes now occurring within the Ayutthaya district which, though now firmly within the sphere of influence of Bangkok, has not yet seen the establishment of the large-scale non-local industries which have proliferated elsewhere in the EBMR. The paper takes as its focus the social, economic and political implications of change for rural dwellers. A major trend is the significant shift in occupations away from agriculture and towards non-farm activities. The paper discusses the agrarian transformation of Ayutthaya Province and Banglen District, the changing patterns of economic activity in two sub-districts of Banglen District, and the exploitation of natural resources, such as topsoil and sand, has become more widespread, but often by non-rural economic concerns. It also discusses social differentiation and status in Banglen, and new local officeholders, changing from farmers to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are bolstering their political power, keeping pace with the economic changes of the region, although this has not yet led to large national or international businesses establishing themselves in the district.