Recreational Value of Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan, Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: 1) to study basic economic and social information and the satisfaction level of visitors to Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan; 2) to evaluate the recreational value of Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan based on the contingent valuation method using willingness to pay; and 3) to evaluate the recreational value of Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan based on the individual travel cost method. Data were collected using a designed questionnaire filled out by 416 Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Thai visitors during June–July 2023. Analysis was based on the frequency, percentage, minimum and maximum statistics and on multiple regression using the stepwise method in relationship analysis.

Based on the results of this study, the majority of the visitors to Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan were female (54.8%) and the average age of visitors was 37 years, with most being Buddhists (94.2%), single (51.4%) and having a bachelor's degree (61.1%). The main occupation was company employees (32.5%), with an average income of 30,617.7 baht/month. There was an average of 3 members per visiting group. The average cost of traveling to visit Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan was 417.84 baht per trip and many respondents said they would return.

Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan is a public park in an urban area with 271,978 visitors in 2023. The recreational value of Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan based on the contingent value method and using willingness to pay was 6,826,647.80 baht/year and the recreational value of Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan based on the individual travel cost method was 44,705,023.86 baht/year. Therefore, relevant agencies should be preparing an annual budget and site allocation management plan for the visitors who come to use the recreational services and to further develop the services and facilities in Suan Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan.