EXPLORING CHIANG MAI THROUGH GENTRIFI CATION LENS: DRAWING LINKAGE BETWEEN TOURISM AND SOCIAL CLASS CHANGES OF RESIDENTS IN THE OLD CITY

Abstract

After discussion about the concept of gentrifi cation and tourism gentrifi cation, this article holds the objectives to (1) explore the extent of the tourist space in forms of accommodations in the past decade focusing on the area of the historic city of Chiang Mai, (2) analyze the situation under the conceptual framework of gentrifi cation, (3) discuss some possible institutional and socioeconomic driving forces of gentrifi cation in this case, and (4) discuss further research recommendations. By means of spatial analysis and qualitative analysis, fi ndings and analysis show the existing rapid speed of social class replacement in the old city in the form of hotels and guesthouses and very mild impact from youth hostels and Airbnb properties. Future projections based on the recent Building Codes and value gap analysis shades a probable continuation of large sized hotels penetration in the area, which would aff ect number of existing aff ordable shared accommodation of which new construction has become prohibited. However, it is found that many of current landowners are not keen on online informal accommodation platform and some communities yield land attachment that resist gentrifi cation.