Relationship of the relocation decision and job location of Klong Toei community's residents

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between job location and the willingness to relocate of informal settlement residents, using the Klong Toei community in Bangkok as a case study. Informal settlements have emerged due to urbanization and rapid economic growth, especially in developing countries. The Klong Toei community, which has evolved around the Port Authority of Thailand, has become the largest informal settlement in Bangkok. The port authority has tried to reclaim the land occupied by the community and provide relocation options to residents. However, the relocation process encounters challenges as many residents fear losing their livelihoods and express concerns about the impacts on their work and jobs.

The study utilizes quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine the relationship between job location and factors influencing residents' willingness to relocate. The research employs Spatial autocorrelation, Chi-square test, and Cluster analysis using data from questionnaire surveys and interviews in three types of settlements within the Klong Toei community: Lock 1-2-3, 4-5-6, 70-rai, and flat communities.

The findings reveal that residents' job location exhibits spatial independence showing random distribution, and the chi-square test indicates a statistically significant relationship between job location and willingness to relocate. The interviews highlight the influence of generation disparity, distances of job location, and job types on residents' decisions to relocate. Furthermore, Cluster analysis identifies distinct resident profiles and the decision to relocate, providing valuable insights for future resettlement policymaking. This research contributes to understanding the complex dynamics between job location and willingness to relocate of informal settlement residents. The findings have implications for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in addressing the challenges of informal settlements and developing effective relocation strategies.