Physical and Facility Carrying Capacity Determination at Phra Phutthabat Phluang in Khao Khitchakut National Park , Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the maximum physical and facility carrying capacities at Phra Phutthabat Pluang in Khao Khitchakut National Park, evaluate the visitor use level if it exceeded the maximum carrying capacity, and give suggestions to control use level within the limits of carrying capacity. Lan Phra Si Phralee and Lan Phra Phutthabat, the main use sites at Phra Phutthabat Pluang, were selected as study sites. The data were collected by survey method to acquire the area able to accommodate use of visitors and do the inventory of toilets as well as explore visitor activities during their visit at Phra Phutthabat Pluang so that physical and facility carry capacities can be calculated. The results showed that the physical carrying capacity of Lan Phra Si Phralee and Lan Phra Phutthabat were 367 and 280 people at one time or 1,101 and 560 person/hour, respectively. Thus, making the maximum number of visitors for the total area of Phra Phutthabat Pluang was 1,661 person/hour regarding the physical carrying capacity alone. The maximum number of visitors that the toilets could accommodate were calculated at 1,148 person/hour. Therefore, the maximum number of visitors regarding the facility and physical capacities were set as 1,148 person/hour considering toilet as the limiting factor in this case. The present use found over the limits of carrying capacity during morning hours. Khao Khitchakut National Park should set up the appropriate means and management system for controlling visitor use according to the maximum carrying capacity and monitor the effect of applying carrying capacity to all stakeholders.