The Right to the City of the Isaan Urban Poor: Development Knowledge and Phenomenon

Abstract

Urban development of Khon Kaen Province based on the development direction towards modernization, has physically changed the city in terms of infrastructure development and economic development. It has also influenced public service delivery aimed to respond to urban people’s needs while there are imagination and expectation that population can access to the modernized city. This article aims to present the urban development context of Khon Kaen Province and the rights of the Isaan poor population to be involved in the context of urban development. A qualitative study method was used by reviewing academic papers, research papers and articles, together with relevant information from focus group discussions with the urban poor people. The study found that urban development of Khon Kaen Province involved government and capital groups in important roles through various forms of economic development, especially infrastructure development. Prosperity distribution according to development directions, as the main city in the Northeast, including the development of modern cities, causes economic changes, and physical changes in the city, the area is expensive and this can create value. This creates a disparity in the right to have a share in the city of urban people, especially urban poor people who have limited subsistence resources. Still, their livelihoods are in line with urban changes. The urban poor people view the right to the city of access to housing as urban citizens, access to the utilization of urban spaces and activities. This includes the right to know, the right to express opinions, the right to self-determination, and the right to enjoy the benefits of the city. However, if it is to make urban poor people have the right to participate in the city like all urban people. It is important to recognize that the urban poor are important actors in their own development and mobilization as they do not lose their connection and belonging to the city

Keywords

• the right to the city
• urban poor
• isaan urban