Urban Planning and Geohazard

Abstract

Human-land relationship has been intricate and multifaceted, since its relationship and interactions are defined by demand. The urban population grows, to accommodate human needs the demand for land resources intensifies, for instance, for houses, public infrastructure and utilities. Without long term planning, proper control and unknowing environment of land, these urban expansions will rapidly become urban sprawl, causing environmental degradation, health concerns, community displacement, social inequality and disaster which overall seem to have huge impacts on one’s quality of life. This article aims on showing the importance of the integration of geohazards and geomorphology in urban planning and management by showing the increasing risks of geological disasters promoted by urban constructions as well as the negative impacts of poor urban planning and management that will exacerbate geohazard crises, with specific focuses on the following case studies : Coastal Change in Ban Wat Khun Samut Chin (Samut Prakan), 2004 Tsunami in the Southern Andaman Coast, 2025 Sagaing Fault Triggered Tremors in Bangkok, Pha Daeng-Nang Ai Sinkholes fairy tale (Sakon Nakhon), and  Chiang Rai Landslides.