Further, this case study reveals a broad tension between fulfilling modern aspirations and being environmentally just. The proliferation of malls around Thailand is not based merely on mindless consumption. Rather, mall shoppers are also finding new public spaces, enjoying time out of the heat, socializing, and experimenting with new identities. And these mall-goers are not only the rich in luxury malls like Central Embassy but the majority of Thais. Aspiring to feel modern and included in society, middle- and lower-class Thais also desire to frequent malls and to been seen there. But these aspirations require significant electricity to be used and result in the displacement of the Lao peasantry.