Economic and environmental performance in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Chapter 1 examines economic and environmental performance in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). The first section, the socio-economic profile of the metropolitan area, explains how the pace of urbanisation is correlated with the evolution of economic activity, poverty, social equity and living conditions. It includes an assessment of: 1) demographic changes over time 2) economic performance and diversity and 3) long-term growth challenges. The second section addresses the greening challenges and the potential for green growth. It analyses the environmental performance of the city and indicates where opportunities for green growth lie. It includes an assessment of: 1) transport and land-use trends 2) energy performance 3) the risk of floods and 4) water supply and wastewater treatment and solid waste management systems. The last section on the institutional profile of the metropolitan area analyses the main governance challenges facing the BMR. It includes an assessment of: 1) the influence of the national government on local affairs and 2) the need for horizontal co-operation between all local jurisdictions in the BMR.