Uncontrollable Growth of Commercial Buildings Threaten Sustainable Development : The Case of Phuket and Chang Island, Thailand

Abstract

Shops, restaurants and bars are tourist facilities. However, uncontrollable growth of improper commercial buildings in tourism areas which are mostly outside urban areas changed natural landscape, exploit natural resource, and affect indigenous culture. This can be seen in Phuket and Chang Island. The government, tourist organizations and academics need to be concerned about the impact of tourism industry. Providing training to operators of tourism business and leaders of local communities as well as local people with knowledge and understanding can prevent exploitation of natural resource in order to preserve their environment, indigenous culture and rehabilitate their livelihood.

It is time for people involved in tourism business to respect sustainable development and make efforts to ensure the right balance between commercialization and conservation.