| Abstract | Prerequisite to any solution of the housing problem evidenced by squatters and squatter settlements is a knowledge of how 11 large11 the problem really is. Previously, several in-depth studies have been conducted of individual settlements, and though they have provided valuable insights
on a case study basis, other essential information such as the total numbers of squatters and their settlements, the location of such settlements, and some generalized and comparable characteristics, remain unavailable to the housing planner and policymaker. The main objective of this study was a simple one: to determine the
magnitude of the squatter population of Bangkok, coupled with an estimate of reliability of such a figure. Owing to the procedure used in obtaining
this figure, it was possible to fil l in many of the voids mentioned above. Aside from the "numbers11 aspect, the following areas were also investigated: settlement characteristic, household size and changes thereof, land owner
ship, dwelling size, land rent, and land tenure security.
Fundamental to the study was a definition of the term "squatter".
Using land tenure security as a basis, two types of squatters were recognized: "pure" and "renting". The pure squatter is a person who owns a house on land not his own and pays no land rent. The renting squatter,
unlike the pure squatter, may be viewed less as a squatter than as a temporary tenant. The renting squatter also owns a house on land not his own, but differs in that he pays a nominal land rent. This more liberal
definition was deemed justifiable since the payment of land rent, in this case, did not guarantee tenure security. A multi-level approach was used in locating settlements and hence, the
squatters themselves. With the aid of aerial photographs and the locations of known squatter communities, it was possible to outline a set of characteristics which was then used to visually identify other "suspected" squatter areas. Field surveys were used for confirmation.
were denoted. In all, three levels
Level I areas were those highly suspected of containing
squatters. Level II were those somewhat less suspected, and Level III, the remaining municipal area which was assumed to contain squatters not visible
by airphoto, such as mini-squatter settlements.
Multi-stage sampling was used to select areas across levels.
Over 300 areas were surveyed in total, of which in excess of 160 locations proved to contain squatters, In each area, a quota sample of between 5 and 10 houses were surveyed. In the final analysis, the Bangkok Municipal area was estimated to contain roughly 200,000 pure squatters and 850,000 renting squatters. |
