A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1987

Three squatter settlements in the city or Bangkok Here selected for the purpose of this research Hhich attempts to study the coping strategies or urban loH-i ncome households. Th e dynamic s or achieving the 'best fit' of socio-economic variables Hi thin the hous e hold to increase economic Helfare are shown. It Has found that there are differences of " strategies " in the various economic groups within the settlements. It was also found that households function in isolation or enter into social and economic relationship with others to enhance their s urvival. The nature and role of this particular inter-household function was examined under the section of social networking. The results of the study l ed to the conclusion that households, Hithin their limitations and opportunities, are only partly able to effect changes in the household . If the persistence of their condition is to be broken, or even shortened, it Hill have to be a result of more enabling actions from the government.