| Author | Rungrote Yarnsiri |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-10-06 |
| Subject(s) | Protected areas--Valuation--Thailand--Khao Yai National Park
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-10-06 |
| Abstract | National Parks are among the protected area categories that public authorities have to support and manage as public goods. While national park management is costly, the diverse benefits obtaine d from them cannot be seen in clear monetary value, resulting in difficulty in assessing the real value of national parks. Additionally even though national parks can gain revenue from entrance fees as financial benefit, this value is not reflecting the wh ole economic value, including not only financial benefit but also economic benefit. Consequently, economic valuation is necessary placing monetary value and estimating diverse benefits related to national parks. As a result, the estimated benefits by using such a tool c an be used in cost - benefit analysis for government decision making processes. This study i s carried out to estimate total economic value of Khao Yai National Park in 2009 by using two approaches of economic valuation namely TCM and CVM. Quest ionnaire survey for park users on site and non - users in Bangkok, regression technique as well as estimation of economic values based on economic theory a re the major tools of the study. The results of the regression analysis show that only travel cost neg atively affects the number of parks visits whereas only monthly income positively affects WTP for entrance fee as well as fund. The economic value in each category is estimated by using TCM and CVM. Regarding recreational value, the estimated average consu mer surplus is 993 baht per person per visit per year by using TCM, resulting in aggregate value of about 705 million baht whereas the average WTP of park users as an entrance fee is 47.5 baht per person per visit by using CVM, resulting in aggregate value of about 33 million baht. Regarding option value, the average WTP of non - users as a fund is 213 baht per person per year, resulting in aggregate value of about 658 million baht. Regarding existence value, the average WTP of park users and non - users as a f und are 204 and 186 baht per person per year respectively, resulting in aggregate value of about 73 and 213 million baht. Park budget analysis shows that costs forms merely 1.6 to 2.6% of total value as evaluated by TCM and CVM respectively. Also analysis of users‟ perception on park amenities provides crucial information regarding potential service quality improvement in the park. Consequently, the results of such studies can provide useful information for government regarding consideration for future budg et allocation and management options of Khao Yai National Park. |
| Year | 2010 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-10-06 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Perret, Sylvain Roger |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.;Vilas Nitivattananon |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | RTG Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010 |