Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand

Sustainable tourism planning is essential for understanding an area’s potential for sustainable development. However, the tourism sector struggles with adopting sustainable practices due to limited research on practical implementation, particularly in Thailand. Khung BangKachao, a vital green space...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sukhuman Klamsaengsai, Onanong Cheablam, Angsikarn Sasithornwetchakul, Watcharee Churugsa, Yeamduan Narangajavana Kaosiri
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Urban Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/5/136
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850126186003300352
author Sukhuman Klamsaengsai
Onanong Cheablam
Angsikarn Sasithornwetchakul
Watcharee Churugsa
Yeamduan Narangajavana Kaosiri
author_facet Sukhuman Klamsaengsai
Onanong Cheablam
Angsikarn Sasithornwetchakul
Watcharee Churugsa
Yeamduan Narangajavana Kaosiri
author_sort Sukhuman Klamsaengsai
collection DOAJ
description Sustainable tourism planning is essential for understanding an area’s potential for sustainable development. However, the tourism sector struggles with adopting sustainable practices due to limited research on practical implementation, particularly in Thailand. Khung BangKachao, a vital green space near Bangkok, provide recreation for urban residents, but faces threats from urbanization, environmental degradation, and loss of traditional lifestyles. This study applied all four criteria and 41 indicators from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a rare and rigorous approach in sustainability research that offers a model for other regions. A qualitative method was used, with content analysis based on 33 in-depth interviews and observations. Results show Category A is effective due to seasonal tourism management and legal adherence, though monitoring is weak. Category B demonstrates positive economic and social impacts. Categories C and D reveal gaps in tourism standards and environmental reporting. Tourism planning in Khung BangKachao should prioritize monitoring, community involvement, and structured management to support long-term sustainability.
format Article
id doaj-art-e6c214893ac0415381cb1e6b650a4b9c
institution OA Journals
issn 2413-8851
language English
publishDate 2025-04-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Urban Science
spelling doaj-art-e6c214893ac0415381cb1e6b650a4b9c2025-08-20T02:33:58ZengMDPI AGUrban Science2413-88512025-04-019513610.3390/urbansci9050136Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, ThailandSukhuman Klamsaengsai0Onanong Cheablam1Angsikarn Sasithornwetchakul2Watcharee Churugsa3Yeamduan Narangajavana Kaosiri4School of Management, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, ThailandSchool of Management, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, ThailandDesignated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization), 120 the Government Complex, Building C, 4th Floor, Chaeng Watthana Road, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, ThailandDesignated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization), 120 the Government Complex, Building C, 4th Floor, Chaeng Watthana Road, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, ThailandDepartment of Marketing and Market Research, Faculty of Economics, Universitat de València, Avda. Tarongers, s/n. 46022 Valencia, SpainSustainable tourism planning is essential for understanding an area’s potential for sustainable development. However, the tourism sector struggles with adopting sustainable practices due to limited research on practical implementation, particularly in Thailand. Khung BangKachao, a vital green space near Bangkok, provide recreation for urban residents, but faces threats from urbanization, environmental degradation, and loss of traditional lifestyles. This study applied all four criteria and 41 indicators from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a rare and rigorous approach in sustainability research that offers a model for other regions. A qualitative method was used, with content analysis based on 33 in-depth interviews and observations. Results show Category A is effective due to seasonal tourism management and legal adherence, though monitoring is weak. Category B demonstrates positive economic and social impacts. Categories C and D reveal gaps in tourism standards and environmental reporting. Tourism planning in Khung BangKachao should prioritize monitoring, community involvement, and structured management to support long-term sustainability.https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/5/136sustainable tourismurban green spacesKhung BangKachaobiodiversitycultural preservationGSTC criteria
spellingShingle Sukhuman Klamsaengsai
Onanong Cheablam
Angsikarn Sasithornwetchakul
Watcharee Churugsa
Yeamduan Narangajavana Kaosiri
Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand
Urban Science
sustainable tourism
urban green spaces
Khung BangKachao
biodiversity
cultural preservation
GSTC criteria
title Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand
title_full Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand
title_fullStr Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand
title_full_unstemmed Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand
title_short Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Khung BangKachao, Thailand
title_sort sustainable tourism assessment in urban green spaces the case of khung bangkachao thailand
topic sustainable tourism
urban green spaces
Khung BangKachao
biodiversity
cultural preservation
GSTC criteria
url https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/5/136
work_keys_str_mv AT sukhumanklamsaengsai sustainabletourismassessmentinurbangreenspacesthecaseofkhungbangkachaothailand
AT onanongcheablam sustainabletourismassessmentinurbangreenspacesthecaseofkhungbangkachaothailand
AT angsikarnsasithornwetchakul sustainabletourismassessmentinurbangreenspacesthecaseofkhungbangkachaothailand
AT watchareechurugsa sustainabletourismassessmentinurbangreenspacesthecaseofkhungbangkachaothailand
AT yeamduannarangajavanakaosiri sustainabletourismassessmentinurbangreenspacesthecaseofkhungbangkachaothailand