Strategic Development for Enhancing the Quality of Life in Slum Communities: A Case Study of Chiang Mai Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) examine the contextual conditions related to the quality of life of residents in urban slum communities within Chiang Mai Municipality, (2) analyze internal and external environmental factors influencing the improvement of quality of life, and (3) propose and evaluate development strategies for enhancing the quality of life of slum residents based on the Royal Development Principles. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study area comprised three communities in Kawila Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Municipality: Tha Satoi Community, Railway Samakkhi Community, and Khon Song Soi 9 Community. The quantitative population included 391 households living in slum communities, and a sample of 298 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. For the qualitative component, 18 key informants were purposively selected, including municipal council members, operational officers, community leaders, and community committee members. Research instruments included a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, inductive reasoning, and thematic analysis. Strategic synthesis was conducted using SWOT analysis and the TOWS Matrix to formulate development-oriented strategies.

The findings revealed that (1) the overall quality of life of slum residents was at a moderate level, with Khon Song Soi 9 Community demonstrating a higher level than the other communities. Key issues included unstable income, high living costs, clogged drainage systems, unpleasant odors, community conflicts, and PM2.5 air pollution. (2) Environmental factors affecting quality of life encompassed seven dimensions: political, cultural, economic, environmental, educational, public health, and social. Major strengths were strong leadership and effective community committees, along with social capital and community identity. Critical weaknesses included PM2.5 pollution, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited knowledge of community management. Notable opportunities derived from municipal policies and support programs, as well as the city’s role as a tourism destination, whereas major threats included flooding, poverty, and budget constraints. (3) The strategic synthesis produced four principal strategy categories: aggressive strategies (SO), defensive strategies (ST), corrective strategies (WO), and survival strategies (WT), supported by a total of 20 subsidiary strategies. Evaluations by experts and stakeholders indicated that these strategies were rated at the highest level in terms of appropriateness, feasibility, and usefulness. Recommendations emphasize promoting proactive public participation in planning and implementing development initiatives, strengthening the capacities of community leaders and committees through strategic management skill development, and advancing integrated collaboration among the municipality, private sector, and community networks to continuously improve livelihoods, public utilities, health, and environmental conditions, thereby achieving systematic and sustainable enhancement of quality of life in slum communities.