Chao Yongchalermchai, Suchada Yongsatisak, Anun Khampeera, and Danupon Tonnayopas

pp. 93 - 102

Abstract

This study defined major changes in land use in Pak Phanang Basin, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
by using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques. The land use map conducted by
Department of Land Development in 1988 was compared with the land use map interpreted from satellite
images of Landsat-5 TM acquired in 1995 and 1999. The results revealed that between 1988 to 1999, forest
area in the basin decreased by a total of 98.08 km², a drastic decline of 60% that was changed to rubber
plantation area. The rubber area increased about 181.7 km² or 41%. Shrimp farm area increased by 184.87
km², equivalent to a high increase of 886% while paddy field area decreased by 248.7 km²
, or 16% that was converted to shrimp farm and rubber land. A decline in forest area caused soil erosion. The severe expansion
of shrimp farm area caused the salinity and affected nearby paddy field and water source areas, that resulted
in degradation of the environment. Application of remote sensing and geographic information system was
utilized as a tool for monitoring the land use change and planning proper resource utilization for sustainable
development in Pak Phanang Basin.