We build the city and the city reshapes us

We here use Bangkok as an illustrative example to explore these topics, but the development of cities worldwide often mirrors the real-world challenges that emerge.

This city’s role in our lives is more significant than we might realize, according to Adisak Guntamueanglee, Deputy Director of the Urban Design and Development Center, of the Center of Excellence in Urban Strategies (UDDC-CEUS) at Chulalongkorn University.

The way we lead our daily lives can sometimes lead to frustration, poor health, or even being single, and this may not solely stem from our individual characteristics, Adisak explains. Part of the truth might be rooted in our environment, including the city we reside in.

Which areas in Bangkok are associated with a higher risk of poverty for its residents?

Adisak says that when we examine the reasons behind our financial challenges, statistics reveal that the cost of living in the city comprises two or three major components that urban residents must contend with. One of these components is transportation expenses.

Bangkok boasts some of the highest transportation costs in Southeast Asia. It’s a sprawling metropolis with related transportation-related costs. We spend a significant amount of time commuting, often ranking first in this regard, and allocate approximately 20-25 per cent of our income to transportation.

So, if we reside in areas that are difficult to commute to, such as narrow alleyways, remote locations that require multiple modes of transportation to reach work, or if we are far from job centres and dealing with heavy traffic, a substantial portion of our cost of living is dedicated to transportation expenses.

In Bangkok, which area is known for having the highest cost of living and the highest wages?

Sukhumvit, along with areas like Silom and Sathorn, is considered a business district. This classification is based on the income levels of businesses and companies situated in these zones. In areas like Sukhumvit, the income levels are higher compared to the surrounding areas, indicating regional income disparities.

Therefore, says Adisak, when we discuss the influence of our living location on our financial well-being, we need to take into account our income, expenses, and cost of living. Some residences may not have high incomes or salaries, yet may not face financial hardship because they can save on transportation or buying expensive food.

Which areas are at a higher risk of obesity?

Several research studies suggest that urban residents are more susceptible to conditions like “abdominal obesity”, explains Adisak. These conditions are often linked to unhealthy eating habits and insufficient physical activity. Contributing factors include long working hours, poor dietary choices, and a lack of time for exercise.

Living in an environment that promotes a slower pace of life, offers access to quality food, and encourages physical activity can help reduce the risk of obesity. Engaging in regular physical activities can also play a crucial role in preventing obesity.

For example, residing near a public park provides the opportunity for activities like jogging. However, this can be quite challenging as housing prices in such areas are often prohibitively high for many individuals.

In situations where one works until 5pm and commutes from a distant location like Bang Kapi to a workplace in Silom, spending 1-2 hours commuting each way can lead to fatigue upon returning home. This fatigue can discourage exercise, increasing the risk of obesity.

According to urban planning statistics in Bangkok, Bangkok residents spend approximately 800 hours per year in their cars, which is equivalent to one month and three days out of a year. If we calculate this over 12 years, It’s like spending a year in a car.

People tend to eat and sit and then sit in their cars after work; the combination of limited physical activity and extended periods of sitting can contribute to obesity, says Adisak. “It’s evident that areas that lack walkability and fail to provide an environment conducive to physical activity are the ones most likely to contribute to obesity.”

In which areas is there a definite risk of heart failure and death?

If someone has a heart problem and needs immediate medical attention, there are areas where the chances of death are very high, says Adisak. This is because getting to a hospital on time is uncertain.

One reason is that we live far from the hospital, and even if there’s a hospital nearby, it must be a facility equipped to handle cardiac cases, which further limits the options. Additionally, if we have to leave home to reach a hospital in an emergency, traffic jams can be deadly.

So, when we ask where someone with heart issues is at a high risk of death, it depends on the distance to the hospital and the time it takes to reach it.

The map of Bangkok resembles a butterfly, with the “wings” being areas far from both public and private hospitals. However, certain areas, even though they are within the city centre, may pose a risk of death due to traffic congestion.

There is a surplus in healthcare services in specific areas, such as At the Victory Monument, where there are some 10-15 or more hospitals, medical institutions, and specialized care facilities.