Khao Yai

1.

Khao Yai: A Glimpse into the Past

When the name "Khao Yai" is mentioned, the majority, if not all, will conjure up images of Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong District, envisioning its cool climate and the picturesque accommodations and cafes nestled amidst nature. However, if we journey back in time, Pak Chong District was once a tranquil agricultural town. Khao Yai's abundant natural resources bestowed fertility upon the community, with Pak Chong boasting expansive rice fields and orchards, alongside handicrafts that served as the primary income sources for its residents. Traditional farming practices, combined with the favorable climate and fertile soil, fostered sustainability for the local farmers. People lived in harmony with the simple rhythm of nature, their way of life and culture deeply intertwined with the natural world.

For the villagers of Pak Chong District, journeys to Khao Yai in the past were not primarily for tourism but rather to utilize the forest's resources, whether it was foraging for forest products, hunting, or even farming in areas not yet designated as part of the national park. Nevertheless, the image of a bountiful Khao Yai teeming with diverse wildlife began to attract tourists eager to experience its magnificent beauty. In the early days of nature-based tourism in Khao Yai, visitors were often adventurous backpackers who traveled by train and then caught local buses from Pak Chong town to ascend into the cool air and tranquility of the forest. Some chose to camp in the wilderness, while others stayed in park accommodations built from hardwood that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The morning calls of gibbons, the passage of gaur herds foraging for food, the sight of rare and beautiful birds, or even encountering wild elephants crossing the road were common occurrences. Older tourists often reminisce about the times they sat around campfires on quiet nights, listening to the chirping of crickets and gazing at the star-filled sky, an experience increasingly rare in big cities. These were journeys to intimately experience nature and local life, with visitors often receiving warm hospitality from the locals, leading to exchanges of stories and knowledge that became cherished memories.

2.

The Growth of Urbanization and the Shifting Perception

As travel became more convenient, Khao Yai gained greater recognition as a significant tourist destination over the past 20 years. Resorts, restaurants, and commercial attractions gradually emerged, becoming magnets for tourists. From having only park accommodations, tourists began to have more options, ranging from luxurious villa-style resorts to farm stays offering a rural experience. Farm tourism, including dairy farms, agricultural farms, and vineyards, became popular destinations for travelers seeking activities beyond hiking. The image of Khao Yai in many people's memories began to shift from a mysterious, deep forest to one of grasslands, vineyards, and upscale accommodations blending nature with comfort and a Western flair.

For older generations who experienced Khao Yai in its early days as a deep forest, their lasting impression is of the purity of nature and a rare tranquility. However, for newer tourists, Khao Yai might be pictured as driving past vineyards, sipping coffee in a cafe nestled in the hills, or staying in a luxurious resort with breathtaking views of the majestic mountains. While the perception of Khao Yai has changed with the times, a shared longing for nature remains, and Khao Yai continues to be a place where new memories are made. Pak Chong has thus fully embraced its identity as a "tourist town," vibrant and dynamic. The way of life for its residents has gradually shifted from relying on nature to depending on the market and tourism.

Pak Chong has become the "gateway to Khao Yai," a nationally significant tourist area with global importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, Khao Yai National Park has been recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, defined as a "conservation area of high importance representing the region's ecosystems." It also holds potential to be part of connecting tourism and economic development plans in the region, such as the Korat UNESCO Triple Heritage Sites and the UNESCO Ring Road, MICE activities supporting Korat MICE City, and the Korat World Horticultural Expo 2029, which is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists. Additionally, it serves as the "gateway to the Northeastern Economic Corridor." Pak Chong is no longer just a small town but is emerging as a crucial economic and tourism hub at the national, ASEAN, and even global levels. This is why "planning the development of the area to accommodate the growth of a city that is one of the world's important areas" is an urgent necessity.

Turning to statistics for the data enthusiasts, information from the Tourism Authority of Thailand reveals that Khao Yai in Pak Chong District welcomes over 2 million domestic and international tourists annually, particularly during the winter season when hotel occupancy rates reach 90-100%. The growth in tourist numbers has created a demand for improved infrastructure, such as roads, transportation and public transit systems, stable electricity and sufficient quality water supply, comprehensive communication systems, efficient sanitation and waste and wastewater management, adequate public health and emergency medical services, and disaster prevention and warning systems. Without a clear urban development plan, Pak Chong could face the problem of "overtourism," where excessive tourism negatively impacts the quality of life for local residents and degrades natural resources in the long term. While the growth of tourism brings convenience and economic benefits, it is undeniable that these have consequences for Khao Yai's nature and wildlife. Increased tourists mean more waste and noise, while some wildlife is becoming too accustomed to humans, and humans are also becoming too accustomed to wildlife.

Concurrently, the real estate and tourism industries have expanded rapidly, resulting in a significant number of housing projects, condominiums, and vacation homes in the Pak Chong area, especially along Thanarat Road and near the entrance to Khao Yai National Park. The growth of real estate has caused land prices to rise continuously and has also led to the problem of "unplanned land use," such as encroachment on green spaces, road construction into forest areas, or the construction of tall buildings obstructing natural views. Therefore, systematic development is essential, including designing and controlling land use, implementing measures to regulate building height, and establishing zoning for tourism business development that does not harm natural areas. This can be achieved through the development of a community-level urban plan, which is currently being pursued.

Pak Chong currently faces the issue of "increasing waste volume" from tourists and the expanding urban community, as well as from various public and private sector festivals and events. Numerous hotels and restaurants generate vast amounts of plastic waste and food scraps. Without adequate preparation for effective waste management, this could impact the quality of life for residents and the environment of the area. Therefore, recognizing the importance of and promoting waste management is another crucial factor, along with ensuring sufficient and stable water and energy management. All of these are urgent priorities for developing the area to accommodate urban expansion sustainably.

Although Pak Chong has some infrastructure to support tourism, it still requires development of its public transportation system, which currently lacks connectivity for tourists and residents, both from the rail system in Pak Chong town to Khao Yai and within the Khao Yai tourist area itself. Developing this system would help reduce the number of private vehicles in the area and could also further promote tourism.

3.

Betting on Development for a Sustainable Future

Area-based development is a process that must consider balance in all dimensions, including economic, social, community, cultural, natural resources, environmental, and infrastructural aspects. It emphasizes the integration of continuous and sustainable cooperation. Decisions made regarding development at any given time will have long-term impacts on the overall area, akin to a "bet" that cannot be reversed. If the wrong bet is placed, if action is taken too late, or if development proceeds without considering balance, it can lead to long-term problems. Imbalanced development can create severe consequences for communities and the environment, such as the loss of local identity, community fragmentation due to resource conflicts, the degradation of natural resources and the environment, water scarcity from overuse, urban congestion, and economic unsustainability. Development that is rushed and disregards long-term impacts often leads to the loss of valuable cultural and natural assets, which not only destroys the nostalgic memories of the past but also diminishes the area's potential for future development.

Factors leading to imbalances in development often relate to management that lacks systematic implementation, inappropriately focusing on investment in one area while neglecting others, or overlooking the importance of integrating all dimensions of development. Additionally, rapid social and economic changes are factors that impact long-term sustainability. Many cities worldwide face similar problems, but there are examples of cities that have achieved balanced development, such as Bandung in Indonesia, which designed a new urban plan emphasizing green spaces and sustainable transportation, or Queenstown in New Zealand, which limits the number of visitors during certain periods to protect nature.

Examples of cities that have successfully achieved appropriate and sustainable area-based development demonstrate that having a far-sighted vision, clear policies, and long-term planning that aligns with the needs of the community through the participation of local residents are crucial factors leading to the success of sustainable development. Development should focus on strengthening the community's ability to adapt and coexist with change sustainably, as well as strictly maintaining a balance between economic development and natural resource conservation.

The nostalgic memories of Khao Yai serve as a testament to the true foundation of its way of life, a simple existence intertwined with nature, and also as a foundation for future development. Area-based development does not only mean investing in infrastructure or economic expansion but also includes preserving the way of life, culture, and natural resources that are the unique identity of the area. Recognizing the value of the past and learning from past lessons will help stakeholders involved in setting development policies make well-rounded decisions with a broad vision.

Pak Chong, as a tourist town connecting world heritage sites, is at a critical juncture in its development and faces challenges from rapid growth. If left unchecked, this growth could lead to difficult-to-resolve problems in the future. However, with good policies and management, the immense potential of the Khao Yai tourist area in Pak Chong District can serve as a model for balanced and sustainable area-based development, aiming to become a "model city for sustainable high-value creative green tourism development," as envisioned by the Khao Yai Tourism Association, which is currently striving to promote and drive this vision. Nevertheless, success in development cannot be achieved alone but is the result of collaboration from all relevant sectors, including the government, private sector, and local residents, which will lead to sustainable change. The challenges posed by imbalanced development and its consequences must be addressed and prevented collectively.

Looking ahead, the stake in developing the Khao Yai tourist area in Pak Chong District is not just about investing in future economic growth but about laying the foundation for the security of the community's way of life and the sustainable preservation of the environment, which is a precious asset for everyone in society. The nostalgic memories we know and cherish must be integrated with innovation and careful planning to create an area that can maintain its identity and sustainability. Every step towards development today will be a guiding light, illuminating hope for the future in becoming "one of the world's important areas" that everyone is proud of and can pass on this valuable heritage to future generations. We must therefore be cautious and committed to making joint decisions, because every choice is a bet that cannot be reversed.

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