An Unsustainable Smart City: Lessons from Uneven Citizen Education and Engagement in Thailand

Phanaranan Sontiwanich, Chantinee Boonchai () and Robert J. S. Beeton
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Phanaranan Sontiwanich: Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket 83120, Thailand
Chantinee Boonchai: Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket 83120, Thailand
Robert J. S. Beeton: School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: The sustainability of a smart city development depends on the interpretations and prioritization driven by the key actors. Currently; the “top-down” smart city implementation in many countries is at risk of disengaging with local stakeholders and further widening the social disparities in the cities. This paper presents the socio-political contexts of a smart city, the citizens’ perspectives and awareness using Phuket, and Thailand as a case study. Desktop research was used to describe the context of the smart city policy; key driving organizations; budget allocation; and the guiding vision and mission statements at the local level. A survey of 409 residents was conducted to assess their awareness and willingness to participate in Phuket Smart City (PSC) activities as well as internet behavior and communication channels. The findings reveal uneven awareness of PSC across demographic groups. PSC was more familiar to the middle-aged; highly educated; high-income; and locals with leadership positions and living near the city center. A perceived lack of knowledge, time, information, and relevance affected the residents’ willingness to be involved in smart city development. Active communication and grass-root engagement are needed to improve public awareness and engagement in smart city implementation and achieve meaningful and equitable development.

Keywords: smart city; citizen engagement; sustainability; citizen awareness; governance; Phuket (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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