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

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2019

Urban carrying capacity (UCC) assessment is an important concept for local government promoting sustainable urban development (SUD). However, studies ofUCC are still lack of understanding on definition, standard and systematic assessment. Therefore, this study aims to assess UCC to support the development of SUD strategies, for case of Nakhon Sawan Metropolitan, Thailand. The framework of Indicator-Benchmark has been employed for quantitative assessment of UCC using a standard and measurable indicator system for involving stakeholders to evaluate the UCC. This study used mixed method consisting of descriptive and surveyed data from primary and secondary sources collected from interview officials and stakeholders. The analysis results were then used to develop strategies for promoting SUD of the study area. The results of UCC assessment show that the metropolitan area face problems with some urban issues in terms of waste, water resource, transportation, hospital service, open space and flood disaster management. The results show that UCC is an important factor which influences urban development. The strategies of improving urban management are the improvement of the indicators which are over-UCC. Consequently, the study proposed strategies following the UCC results which would address the key issues of different areas of the metropolitan. The quantitative-based framework for UCC assessment provides a set of measurable indicators and benchmarks for urban managers and stakeholders for identifying deficient areas and sustainability issues, which might be applied in other urban areas, especially in developing countries.