# Tourism-Induced Urbanization in Phuket Island, Thailand (1987-2024): A Spatiotemporal Analysis
## 4 Discussion
### Policy Recommendations for Urban Development in Phuket  
Due to the rapid urban expansion, fueled by the tourism industry in Phuket, to promote sustainable urban development. In this section, we proposed the policy recommendations for adaptation to rapid urban expansion in Phuket. First, the adoption of zoning regulations should be geographically tailored. These regulations are designed to safeguard fragile coastal ecosystems and tourism sites while simultaneously directing compact, mixed-use development to urban centers such as Phuket Downtown. By instituting definitive urban growth limits, the island can mitigate unrestricted expansion into agricultural areas and vulnerable ecosystems, thus assuring compatibility with long-term ecological and infrastructural capacities. To optimize land utilization, new buildings must comply with rigorous sustainability criteria, including energy-efficient designs and the obligatory incorporation of renewable energy sources. These strategies not only mitigate environmental impacts but also safeguard development against future climatic difficulties. Next, to mitigate the severe housing crisis intensified by tourism-induced gentrification, focused affordable housing programs should concentrate on service-sector workers displaced from expensive coastal regions. Public-private partnerships may motivate developers--via tax incentives or density bonuses--to incorporate subsidized units in buildings adjacent to employment centers. Concurrently, modernizing antiquated facilities (water, sewerage, and electricity) in eastern regions will provide dependable services for expanding populations. Equitable planning must incorporate marginalized groups in decision-making processes, guaranteeing access to healthcare, education, and public places to promote inclusive and cohesive communities. Plus, Phuket's transportation infrastructure necessitates immediate renovation to mitigate congestion and diminish dependence on private vehicles. Enhancing high-capacity transit systems, such as bus rapid transit (BRT) or light rail, to link essential locations like the airport, beaches, and Phuket Town will optimize mobility. In addition, walkable urban planning and designated bike lanes in highly populated regions can facilitate sustainable commuting and improve quality of life. Integrating transit planning with zoning regulations will facilitate effortless access to employment, housing, and facilities, hence diminishing urban sprawl and travel demand. Environmental resilience is also important. These include the destruction of essential ecosystems for tourism-driven development, for instance, the destruction of coastal mangroves that are natural storm barriers. Increasing the effectiveness of the enforcement of conservation laws and incorporating the restoration of the mangroves into the climate adaptation strategies could restore these vital systems. One of the frequent natural disasters in Phuket is a flash flood. Here, green infrastructure such as permeable pavements, urban parks, and rooftop gardens might also be strengthened to help fight flooding while enhancing biodiversity and improving air quality. Further environmental impact assessment of all projects (from high-end hotels to small resorts) could also help to reduce the ecological effects. Economic diversification is therefore necessary to reduce overreliance on the tourism sector. Creating other sectors like technology, healthcare, and education through innovation hubs or tax incentives makes the economy stronger against global shocks. However, sustainable tourism models, for example, agrootourism partnerships and ecotourism activities, can be used to conserve agricultural land and earn money for conservation. Success also relies on democratic government. This ensures that citizens, businesses, and environmental NGOs are involved in the decision-making process and therefore, the process is transparent and participatory.