Research Article / 59 BANGKOK: SUBURBANIZING AND UNSUSTAINABLE กรุงเท พ : การเปลี่ยนแปลงของเขตเมืองและความไม่ยั่งยืน

Numerous studies have indicated that population density is one of the major indicators for socioeconomic and environmental impacts from urban development. Based on Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) population data, Bangkok is suspected to have an unsustainable urban development trend known as the ‘donut effect’, which occurs when the central part of the city loses population while the population in the surrounding suburbs increases. This paper will show that Bangkok’s population density is increasing in the suburbs while decreasing in the core area, using the data collected by BMA from 1999-2005. Our analysis incorporates land use measures of population density which affect the proximity of trip origins to destination. Population density represents the connectivity of the city which affects the level of vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT), the rate of non-motorized transport, and thus the level of household vehicle emissions. Knowing and understanding the population density trend should provide additional information on whether or not Bangkok is experiencing this characteristic of unsustainable urban development