Landslide Susceptibility Analysis of Agricultural Land Use in the Mae Rim Watershed, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

     Thailand has diverse topographic characteristics, particularly in the Mae Rim watershed area of Chiang Mai province, which is dominated by mountainous terrain and steep slopes. These conditions contribute to a high susceptibility to landslides. Landslides in the area are influenced by multiple factors, including rainfall intensity, inappropriate land use practices—such as agriculture on steep slopes—and deforestation. Historically, landslides have caused continuous damage to both property and human life. This study applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with key influencing factors, including rainfall, slope, land use, elevation, distance from water bodies, and distance from fault lines, to generate a landslide susceptibility map for the Mae Rim watershed in Chiang Mai province. The results indicated that the highest landslide risk areas cover 52.69 square kilometers, accounting for 9.28% of the total study area. These areas are primarily characterized by annual rainfall exceeding 1,200 mm/year, slopes greater than 45%, and agricultural land use-particularly orchards and perennial crops. Specifically, high-risk agricultural areas account for 286.14 rai, representing 0.68% of the total area. The majority of landslide-prone areas are distributed across Mae Taeng, Mae Rim, and Samoeng districts, respectively. The findings of this study can support relevant agencies in developing landslide hazard maps, enabling local communities to enhance monitoring systems and improve preparedness for landslide events effectively.