Integrated approach for enhancing transit-oriented development : from concept to implementation in Thailand | |
| Author | Akarawit Sapsangthong |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.UI-25-03 |
| Subject(s) | Transit-oriented development--Thailand Sustainable urban development--Thailand Urban transportation--Thailand City planning--Thailand |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Innovation and Sustainability |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The rapid urbanization of increasing populations and built-up areas makes a transition from rural to urban. This presents challenges and opportunities for cities to manage and plan adequate living standards. Thailand is advancing its rail network to shift from road- to rail based transport, linking urban and rural areas via high-speed and double-track rail. However, gaps remain between theory and practice. In practice, Thailand’s urban rail systems often resemble transit-adjacent development, limiting countrywide transit-oriented development (TOD) implementation. Previous TOD studies have primarily focused on land use and transport integration, remaining socioeconomic and governance aspects. Bringing policies from other contexts is rather ineffective; understanding the local conditions is recommended. This study addresses these gaps by identifying TOD integrated practices for Thailand and providing policy guidelines. The main aim is to develop an integrated urban systems assessment model to bring together theory and practice, enhancing TOD from concept to implementation.This study explored three urban systems’ dimensions, including built environment planning measures, cross-sectoral governance working mechanisms, and socio-spatial urban mobility. Three diverse Thai urban areas as studied cases, including Nakhon Ratchasima as a regional center, Chachoengsao as an urban center, and Si Satchanalai as a special-use town focusing on tourism and heritage conservation. The assessments were conducted using mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were acquired from field surveys, questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, semi structured interviews, and expert discussions, along with secondary data from literature and geographic information system sources. Data analysis proceeded through descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression analysis, analysis of variance, structural equation modeling, including confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis, stakeholder analysis, causal network analysis, thematic analysis, and document analysis. Findings determined three key thematic areas for TOD-built environment. The integration of urban planning measures and potential success factors was identified as critical for achieving these thematic areas. Key stakeholders include the civic sector, municipal, provincial, central, and regional agencies. TOD governance requires a well-structured regulatory framework integrating planning- and market-based approaches and financing models with land-value capture strategies. Travel behavior varies by agglomeration density and socioeconomic conditions. Higher socioeconomic status correlates with private car use, while lower status and older individuals rely on non-motorized transport. Economic diversity encourages multi-destination trips, and higher density reduces travel distances. These understandings enclosed theory and practice gaps, advanced TOD literature, and provided frameworks for planners, policymakers, and professionals. This study is limited in scope, focusing primarily on the urban scale and does not extend to broader provincial or regional levels. Policy and regulatory constraints led to legal ambiguities and overlapping jurisdictional roles among agencies. Future research should address larger scales, coordination mechanisms, enforcement, and barriers to implementation. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon;Nuwong Chollacoop (Co-Chairperson) |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen;Santoso, Djoen San |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | His Majesty the King’s Scholarships (Thailand) |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |