BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2006

The twin cities of Chiang Mai and Lamphun, in northwest Thailand, revel in a rich history, but the two cities also face increasing environmental degradation, traffic congestion, land-use conflicts and housing shortages. In response, the government of Thailand proposed an ambitions regional decentralization program.

The Berger Group was selected to prepare a master development plan for the 3,000-square-kilometer regional study area, and specific plans for new infrastructure and other components to support decentralized development. Berger specialists identified, analyzed and mapped ongoing and proposed development programs, potential sites for new towns, and industrial and commercial estates; prepared forecasts of population and economic growth; reviewed future spatial needs; and prepared Land-Use and Structural Master Plans. The Team also analyzed and forecasted future demand in all sectors, including social services, water supplies, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, transportation, housing and tourism.

Finally, Berger evaluated administrative and management needs; proposed improvements to upgrade the management and finance capabilities of the local governments; and formulated an action and investment plan, and a short-term, intermediate and long-term operational plan. The plans placed particular emphasis on preservation of historical sites within the region and included a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) and database, incorporating land-use data, historical sites and environmentally fragile areas for future urban infrastructure and social services planning.