Changes in structural demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Bangkok's population between 1970 and 1980

Abstract

This study explores changes in the structural, demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population of Bangkok over the period 1970 to 1980, based on census data. The study finds that the rapid growth of Eangkok during the period was mainly attributable to the large influx of migrants. If only the urban population in Bangkok is considered, the major component of growth was the redesignation of rural areas as urban by 1980 although net migration also contributed to the growth. There was a relative change in Bangkok's profile from a concentration of small districts to a pattern of of larger districts. The structural changes indicate the potential development of the areas surrounding Bangkok. Overall the study finds that the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Bangkok's population as well as their living standards changed quite obviously during the period. These changes reveal a rise in the level of modernization in the city as well as an increase in its level of economic development. Women were found to have increased their participation in the labour force and education substantially between 1970 and 1980. The examination of migration to Bangkok also confirms that the city experienced an increase in the levels of economic development as well as of modernization during the period of the 1970s. However, it is believed that Eangkok has grown too fast, and that the rate of growth should be slowed down. Since natural increase is no longer a problem because of the recent fertility decline, the volume and rate of migration should be somehow reduced. Bangkok's population is not expected to exceed 8 million by the year 2000.