Recreation Value of Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The socio–economic and general information were studied regarding visitor recreation at Thum Luang Khun–Nam Nang Non National Park. In addition, the recreational value of this national park was estimated based on the individual travel cost method (ITCM) and the contingent valuation method (CVM) using willingness to pay (WTP). The designed questionnaire was distributed to 400 visitors to this national park during June–November 2023. Based on the results of the study, the majority of visitors were female with an average age of 35 years. Most of the visitors were Buddhists, single, and had graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree. The major occupation was Government officer with an average income of THB 20,343.56/month. The majority of tourists were visiting this national park for the first time for a one day trip for recreational purposes with their family. They had traveled in personal vehicles, with an average of 4 persons/group. The main objective of the visitors was recreational purposes, with visitor satisfaction ranked overall at the high level ( = 4.08).

The recreation value of the Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in 2023 was estimated using an individual travel cost method, with the factors affecting travel to this national park being level of education, total travel cost, and visitor age. The recreational value was estimated at 946,033,575.85 Baht/year. The recreational value of this national park estimated using the contingent valuation method identified that the satisfaction level and visitor age affected willingness to pay, with the recreational value estimated at 11,011,056.97 Baht per year. The results of this study should provide information to inform the setting of policies and guidelines for area management, as well as providing information to determine the National Park entrance fee for tourists.