Visitor Opinions Toward Visitor Time Restrictions in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the background, visiting characteristics, opinion levels and factors affecting visitor opinions toward visitor time restrictions in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province. Data were collected using a designed questionnaire in interviews with 370 sample visitors who came to Kaeng Krachan National Park. Basic statistical analysis was used for each independent variable, involving descriptive analysis, percentage and mean, while a t-test and F-test were used for hypothesis testing at the 0.05 level of significance.

The results revealed that most respondents were female, aged between 21 and 30 years with a Bachelor’s degree. Their main occupation was business employee with a monthly income of less than 10,000 baht. They mostly lived in Bangkok and came with their friends. They stayed overnight and also visited other national parks. Most of them were first time visitors. A personal car was used to visit and photography was their popular activity. Their opinions towards visitor time restrictions in Kaeng Krachan National Park were at the high level. Factors affecting opinions towards visitor time restrictions in Kaeng Krachan National Park were the number of times visiting Kaeng Krachan National Park. Respondents who had visited two or more times supported restrictions being imposed more than first time visitors did.

Keywords:  Opinions, Visitor Time Restriction, Kaeng Krachan National Park