ASSESSMENT OF RECREATIONAL CARRYING CAPACITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EUANG NGERN CAMPING AREA, HUAI NAM DANG NATIONAL PARK, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to: (1) assess the recreational carrying capacity of the Euang Ngern camping area in Huai Nam Dang National Park, and (2) provide a basis for management planning of the Euang Ngern camping area by analyzing carrying capacity in four aspects: Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), Facility Carrying Capacity (FCC) including the camping area, parking lot, and toilet facilities, Ecological or Environmental Carrying Capacity (ECC), and Social-Psychological Carrying Capacity (SPCC). Data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 396 tourists and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation.

          The research results found that: (1) Based on the assessment of the recreational carrying capacity of the Euang Ngern Tent Site, Huai Nam Dang National Park, it was found that in terms of Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), the area can accommodate up to approximately 2,466 tourists per day or 175,086 tourists per year. During the period 2021–2023, the usage level was below 50 percent, which is considered a low-impact level. For Facility Carrying Capacity (FCC), it was found that facilities such as restrooms and parking lots could efficiently accommodate tourists, with a usage rate of no more than 3 percent, also indicating a low impact level. Regarding Ecological or Environmental Carrying Capacity (ECC), only the Khlong-Khleng tree species was moderately affected, while other species showed no noticeable impact. As for the Visitor Experience Capacity (VEC), all tourists reported satisfaction and did not feel overcrowded, suggesting effective and sustainable area management. (2) The management plan for the Euang Ngern Tent Site, Huai Nam Dang National Park, consists of the following components: (1) zoning, (2) tourist management, (3) environmental management, (4) infrastructure development, (5) community participation, (6) public relations and awareness-raising, and (7) monitoring and evaluation.