Southeast Asia: Transition among the Nagas - Dragons and Tigers: A Geography of South, East and Southeast Asia - page 402

Figure 14-14
More than 10 percent of Thailand' s population
lives in Bangkok, the capital city . Bangkok is also
known as Krung Thep, meaning “City of Angels.”
Here, the crowded old city is surrounded by new
office and apartment towers. Hundreds of people
pour into the city every day seeking employment.
Densities are as high as 5,800 people per square
mile (3,600 per km 2 ), and an estimated 400 new
vehicles are registered every day . Bangkok is one
of the most congested cities in the world.
Photograph courtesy of B. A. Weightman.

construction of new roads, the easing of restrictions on
travel, and the advent of the bicycle, motor scooter, and
other cheap forms of transport encourage rural and ur-
ban interchange in terms of both job transfers and indus-
trial location (Figure 14-15). This increases economic
opportunities and supplements incomes. There is a defi-
nite link between poor infrastructure and high rates of
poverty .
The merging of rural and urban worlds has had other
impacts. The use of chemical fertilizers, wage labor, and
mechanization has increased. More emphasis is placed on
raising animal stock and cash crops for the urban market.
More people engage in non-farm activities on the farm,

such as mat and basket weaving, pottery , and furniture
making. Off-season, full-time employment in factories or
public sector jobs has increased, and there is increasing
migration for employment beyond local areas.
There are also age and gender considerations. Agri-
culture remains the dominant occupation among older
age groups. Y ounger groups are more likely to engage in
wage labor, which points to the availability of such op-
portunities in or near rural areas. A second change is the
growing importance of female employment. Rising fe-
male labor is pronounced in export-oriented activities
such as the garment industry , electronics, and footwear.
Declining fertility , later marriages, education, and increased

Figure 14-15
I met these two students in Viangchan, Laos. Both
were very proud of their new motorbike.
Photograph courtesy of B. A. Weightman.