Recreational Carrying Capacity of Khao Chamao Khao Wong National Park

Abstract

This research studies the character of recreation use at Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park and assesses the Park’s physical and psychological carrying capacities. Data collection, in the form of questionnaire survey, was gathered from a sample population of 400 who were visitors to the National Park. The number of visitors to the site was also recorded: on weekdays once a day and at weekends once a month. The research was carried out between April and June, 2007. The results from the questionnaire survey on recreation use found that the majority of visitors to Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park were day trippers wanting to swim and sightsee, relax in a quiet environment, and take photographs at 73.3 percent, 67.3 percent, and 53.3 percent respectively; while actual activities were swimming (82.5 percent), sightseeing (75.8 percent), and relaxing in a quiet environment (64.8 percent). Most visitors’ recreational experience was ‘high’ (mean = 3.41). Evaluation of management practices and services found that both were appropriate at ‘moderate’. Physical carrying capacities were attained from level of use compared with carrying capacity at four levels: ‘Below CC’, ‘At & Approaching CC’, ‘Exceeding CC’, and ‘Over CC’. The results showed that recreational areas, the visitors’ centre, and shower rooms were over their carrying capacity. The food shop exceeded its carrying capacity, but restrooms were at and approaching carrying capacity. Other facilities such as nature trails, picnic areas, car parks, and garbage bins were below carrying capacity. Study of psychological carrying capacities found that below carrying capacity is desirable for recreational areas and an acceptable number of visitors is 100. The results of this study can be used for the administration and management of protected areas of Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park. They can also be applied to the study of the carrying capacity of other protected areas throughout Thailand.