Abstract:
To study and analyze the physical and economic conditions population, settlement, urban system, problem and impact in terms of land and natural resources utilization, deveolpment potential and constraints of the area, and area development trand. The land use plan and natural resources management plan for Klong Thatapao Basin are proposed in the study. It is found that the topological condition of Klong Thatapao Basin comprises high mountains uplands, rolling plain, flood plain and coastal area. These variety and plentiful natural resources in the Basin's ecosystem are the most significant basic factors for maintaining the balance of ecosystem and economic development. the area has been utilized for various activities, particularly agriculture, which have caused changes of land use pattern and deforestation, which have caused many problems, i.e. destruction of upstream area in the western part of the study area, flooding, water shortage, and deterioration of water quality in the central and lower parts of the study area. These problems impact to the resource utilization and the balance of ecosystem. Regarding the analysis of the problems which occur in the study area, it is found that most problems are relevant to the loss of resource abundantment and environmental destruction. The most relevant problem is the deterioration of forest resource, which affect to the water and soil resources. Therefore, the land use planning and natural resources management in the study area focused on the rectification of inefficient land utilization, mainly to revitalize the forest and water resources in relation with the potential and constraints of the area as well as its development potential and role. The proposed development plans are : (1) future land use plan ; (2) agricultural development plan ; (3) industrial and economic centre development plan ; (4) eco-tourism development plan ; (5) transportation network development plan ; and (6) essential natural resources management plan such as forest, water, soil, and coastal resources. All these area focoused on the conservation management, rehabilitation, control and promotion of measures so as to maintain the balance of ecosystem and sustainable development