Design Strategies to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Public Transportation Nodes: A Case Study of Transit-Oriented Development Areas in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

One in three women and one in six men experience sexual harassment, which is still a widespread problem. The study employs the conceptual frameworks of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to investigate Bangkok's public transit system and communities susceptible to sexual offenses. By examining crime statistics and environmental variables, the research pinpoints areas at risk of sexual crimes.  This study applied physical analysis of public transportation development areas to identify appropriate locations and construct questionnaires to inquire about public perceptions of safety. The findings demonstrate that poorly planned public places, such as dark locations and isolated sidewalks, raise the crime rate and heighten feelings of unsafety. Low visibility and insufficient surveillance also raise perceived and actual dangers. The study helps create appropriate design guidelines and emphasizes the need for gender-inclusive urban planning to develop safe and socially equitable areas in Bangkok's future public transit zones.