# Tourism-Induced Urbanization in Phuket Island, Thailand (1987-2024): A Spatiotemporal Analysis
## 4 Discussion
### Phuket Changing Urban Landscape  
The transformations in land usage and coverage in Phuket throughout the years emphasize the importance of conducting studies to comprehend the factors behind these changes and their possible consequences. In the three decades, urban and agricultural zones have expanded, while forested and mangrove areas have dwindled, indicating significant human influence on the terrain. This has implications for sustainability, biodiversity, and efforts to address climate change [49]. Delving deeper into these driving forces and their long-term impacts could assist in making informed decisions regarding land use planning and management. The growth of regions can be attributed to population growth, economic advancements, and governmental urbanization strategies. Water bodies have remained relatively constant due to water resource management practices. Changes in agricultural land use are influenced by factors such as rubber plantations and shifts in policies and economic circumstances. The decrease in forest cover is a result of expansion and urban sprawl. Barren land exhibits fluctuations caused by periods of degradation and reclamation typically associated with tin mining activities [58]. Mangrove ecosystems have shrunk due to development projects and environmental deterioration. Comprehending these drivers is crucial for fostering sustainable progress that meets both human needs and environmental concerns [59]. Phuket's urban evolution from 1987 to 2024 has been characterized by its nature of responding sensitively to economic shifts as well as environmental events. Phuket has transformed into a sanctuary for international visitors. Consequently, the demand for land is surging, resulting in land prices soaring, particularly in excellent tourist locations. In the western part of the island, where high-end hotels and resorts are situated, they have encountered a higher cost of living. The service sector, propelled by tourism, necessitates a considerable workforce; nevertheless, numerous local employees find residence in these expensive regions unaffordable. The residential displacement has compelled residents to congregate in the eastern region of the island, especially in Phuket Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, where housing and living expenses are comparatively more economical. Phuket's geographical limitation as an island, which restricts expansion into adjacent provinces, has resulted in land scarcity that necessitates the transformation of agricultural regions into urban areas to meet population growth and economic needs. This urban evolution underscores the island's distinctive developmental challenges, as alterations in land use are influenced by the convergence of tourism dynamics, housing affordability, and geographical constraints. Also, Phuket's development has been shaped by many national and local policy measures aimed at promoting economic growth and tourism, alongside these worldwide problems. In the early 2000s, these laws catalyzed a significant increase in investment, especially in areas such as Patong Beach and Karon, where agricultural land was converted into commercial zones and resorts. A pivotal moment in the island's urban growth occurred during the 2004 tsunami, which inflicted significant damage on Phuket's coastline. International assistance and governmental initiatives were employed to facilitate reconstruction operations, specifically targeting the rehabilitation of tourism infrastructure. The implementation of new zoning restrictions aimed to limit growth in high-risk coastal regions; yet enforcement was irregular. In specific areas, like Kamala Beach, post-tsunami rehabilitation led to the establishment of high-rise hotels and rapid urban growth, but other regions were designated for conservation to mitigate future dangers. This paradox underscores the tension between environmental preservation and economic recovery that has defined much of Phuket's development.