Traffic Circulation Management in Khao Yai National Park

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study physical characteristics of road circulation, the maximum carrying capacity of parking areas and the current usage of roads and parking areas, as well as the opinions of visitors and park personnel toward traffic circulation management in Khao Yai National Park. The physical characteristics and road use survey were carried out at main and secondary roads and nine parking areas during weekends and long holidays. Questionnaires were used to collect the opinions of visitors and park personnel on park circulation management. The results revealed that the most intensive road use was on the secondary road to Heaw Suwat waterfall and on the main highway No. 2090 during the weekends and long holidays. The highest number of vehicles recorded during long holidays on those roads was 275 and 270 vehicles per hour, respectively, with the heaviest usage during the day from 12:01-13:00. The maximum number of vehicles the national park can accommodate was limited to 1,216 vehicles or 1,387 vehicles per hour by the number of cars in all parking areas at any time. The highest use of parking was at the Lam Ta Klong campground, averaging 1,281 vehicles per day during long holidays.  However, at the Pha Deaw Dai view point, the parking area was found to be always over capacity, while the remaining car parking areas were found to be over capacity occasionally. Most visitors and park personnel agreed that Khao Yai National Park should have regulations limiting vehicle speed and size, and prohibiting parking on the road shoulder. Recommendations on road circulation management included providing a shuttle minibus or tram service to popular tourism sites within the national park and public announcements on road and car park regulations.       

Keywords: traffic circulation, carrying capacity, Khao Yai National Park