APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TO IDENTIFY ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL SITES OF SONGKHLA LAKE BASIN, THAILAND

Abstract

Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB) situated in the southern part of Thailand, has high ecotourism potential due to the basin's abundant natural and cultural resources. Ecotourism might be an appropriate concept for the sustainable tourism development on this area which can play balanced role between the demand of lake tourism and fragile condition of Lake Ecosystem. The main objective of this study is to identify the potential ecotourism sites of SLB by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a decision supporting tool for sustainable development of Lake Basin. This study leads to improve socio-cultural, economic and environmental development of SLB. Spatial and non-spatial data associated with the socio-cultural and natural resources were spatially analyzed. Forest, water resources, biodiversity and carrying capacities were highly correlated among 15 factors. Analyses were carried out in this study to assess potentials as well as the risk of ecotourism resources in SLB. Finally, the results were classified according to level of ecotourism potentials as high, moderate or low for sustainable development of SLB. On the basis of these criteria, Khao Pu-khaoo Ya National Park, Namkhag National Park , Thale Noi etc. were found as high potential areas; Pha Dam Forest, Oak Thalu Hill, Manorah Waterfall etc. were found as medium potential areas and Ta-Chiad Irrigation reservoir, Pa Prem Park etc. were found as low potential areas.