Krabi Province Research Articles

Understanding land-cover change dynamics of a mangrove ecosystem at the village level in Krabi Province, Thailand, using Landsat data

This paper presents an objective approach for quantifying the amount of mangrove loss caused by expansion of shrimp farms in three villages of Krabi Province, Thailand. Landsat images from three time periods of shrimp farm development (pre-shrimp farms – 1989, development – 2001, and post-development – 2007) were analyzed using unsupervised classification algorithm. A post-classification change detection comparison approach revealed only moderate mangrove exploitation and shrimp farms, which displaced a variety of land-cover types in addition to mangroves. In some cases, there was a detectable cycle of use and replenishment of mangroves and a lack of the boom-bust cycle of shrimp farming that other parts of Thailand experienced.

Assessment of rainfall-induced shallow landslides in Phetchabun and Krabi provinces, Thailand

Shallow landslides are a common type of rainfall-induced landslide, and various methods are currently used to predict their occurrence on a regional scale. Physically based models, such as the shallow landslide instability prediction (SLIP) model, have many advantages because these models can assess the hazards of shallow landslides dynamically, based on physical stability equations that consider rainfall as a triggering factor. The main objective of this research is to test the SLIP model’s potential to predict shallow landslide hazards in Thailand. To achieve this goal, the SLIP model was applied to two massive landslide events in Thailand. The results predicted by the SLIP model for the two study areas are outlined, and the model prediction capabilities were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic plot. The Phetchabun results showed that the western part of the catchment had the lowest factor of safety (F S) value, whereas the Krabi results showed that the slopes surrounding the peak of Khao Panom Mountain had the lowest F S value, explaining the highest potentials for shallow landslides in each area. The SLIP model showed good performance: The global accuracies were 0.828 for the Phetchabun area and 0.824 for the Krabi area. The SLIP model predicted the daily time-varying percentage of unstable areas over the analyzed periods. The SLIP model simulated a negligible percentage of unstable areas over all considered periods, except for expected dates, suggesting that the prediction capability is reasonably accurate.

A comparison between Asian and Australasia backpackers using cultural consensus analysis

This study tests the differences in the shared understanding of the backpacker cultural domain between two groups: backpackers from Australasia and backpackers from Asian countries. A total of 256 backpackers responded to a questionnaire administered in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Krabi Province (Thailand). Cultural consensus analysis (CCA) guided the data analysis, to identify the shared values and the differences in the backpacker culture of the two groups. The findings revealed that while the two groups share some of the backpacker cultural values, some other values are distinctively different from one another. The study provides the first empirical evidence of the differences in backpacking culture between the two groups using CCA. Based on the study findings, we propose some marketing and managerial implications.

A new species of Siamites Franz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae) from Thailand.

A new species of so far monospecific genus Siamites, S. complicatus sp. n., is described. The type specimens were collected in the Krabi Province of Thailand. Morphology of the new species is described and illustrated in details, including male genitalia, and the distribution of Siamites is summarized.

Effects of an intervention to reduce insecticide exposure on insecticide-related knowledge and attitude: a quasi-experimental study in Shogun orange farmers in Krabi Province, Thailand

An intervention to reduce insecticide exposure in Shogun orange farmers was implemented in Krabi Province, Thailand. Intervention effects on insecticide-related knowledge and attitude were evaluated in a quasi-experimental study in two farms about 20 kilometers (km) apart. The intervention was conducted at one farm; the other served as control. The study included 42 and 50 farmers at the intervention and control farms, respectively. The intervention included several components, including didactic instruction, practical demonstrations, use of a fluorescent tracer, and continuing guidance on insecticide use via a small, specially trained group within the overall intervention group. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first such intervention in Thailand. Knowledge and attitude were measured at baseline (pre-intervention), and at 2 and 5 months after the intervention (follow-up 1 and follow-up 2, respectively). Intervention effects were assessed with linear mixed models, specified to enable testing of effects at each follow-up time. The intervention was associated with substantial and statistically significant improvements in both knowledge score and attitude score (P < 0.001 for each score at each follow-up time). Intervention-related improvements in knowledge score and attitude score were equivalent to about 27% and 14% of baseline mean knowledge and attitude scores, respectively. Intervention-related benefits were similar at both follow-up times. Findings were similar before and after adjustment for covariates. These findings increase confidence that well-designed interventions can reduce farmers’ insecticide exposure in Thailand and elsewhere. In future research, it would be desirable to address long-term intervention effects on farmers’ health and quality of life.

Analysis of Energy Consumption and GHG Emission in Biodiesel (B100) Production: A Case Study of Oil Palm Plantation, Crushing Mill and Biodiesel Plant in Thailand

The biodiesel (B100) production starting from the plantation, crushing mill and biodiesel plant can generate high amount of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission which is harmful to the global environment. To reduce the GHG emission, an efficient managing strategy of the entire production process must be introduced. This paper presents a case study of the GHG emission analysis in Trang, Krabi and Chumporn province in 2013. The entire year data of each activity such as amount of energy, fertilizer and herbicides used, main product, residues produced in oil palm plantation, milling and biodiesel plant were analyzed and calculated by the basis of Gate to Gate. The result shows that the production process in the plantation generates the GHG emission of-0.54 ton CO2-eq /ton FFB while the GHG emitted from the crushing mill is at-2.89 ton CO2-eq /ton RPO and from the biodiesel plant is at-2.30 kg CO2-eq /liter B100.These calculated values show that the biodiesel production can alleviate the greenhouse effect. If the bio solid residues are used as a mixture for fertilizer and the wastewater is used to produce the biogas to generate electricity, the GHG emission can then be reduced.

Development Strategies on Taking Thailand’s Health Promotion Related Tourism Business into the Global Market

The Royal Thai Government has made it a policy to promote Thailand as the Spa Capital of Asia since 2004. The Ministry of Public Health, in conjunction with the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board has adopted a five-year plan (2009-2013) to promote the health service business to turn Thailand into a World-Class Spa Destination with the cooperation of both the public and private sectors. The objectives of this study are to analyze the market regarding the promotion of health-related tourism (spas), the potential supply and demand, consumer behavior and visitors’ satisfaction relating to the use of the country’s spa services, strategies for the development and promotion of health-related tourism businesses (spas), the obstacles to achieving this objective, and suggestions with regard to the latter. The population of the study consisted of foreign nationals who used spa services in Prachuabkirikhan, Phuket, Phanga and Krabi provinces, with 100 samples taken from each province. The research methodology used in this study is both qualitative and quantitative in nature, in addition to which a descriptive approach was also adopted. The results demonstrate that, although spas were relatively well known among foreign tourists during 1993-1994, the spa business has enjoyed a boom from 2001 down to the present. The study analyzed both demand and supply of spa business. Most of the foreign nationals interviewed stated that they visited spas during their vacation time and stressed the importance of visiting a spa in planning their travel itinerary. In their opinion, compared with the best spa facilities in Asia, spas in Thailand would prove cheaper. The category of spa that was used the most that was the resort spa. With regard to the atmosphere of the spa itself, the majority favored a natural atmosphere. As for their favorite products, they used proprietary products belonging to the spa service center. Concerning the services the spa offered, they liked body massage the most. As regards their reasons for selecting a particular spa’s services, they did so in accordance with the quality and standard of service. For most of the respondents, their objective in using the services of a spa was to relieve pain in their muscles. It was found that tourists expressed a high degree of satisfaction with regard to their use of the spa’s services and as well as the overall circumstances pertaining to such spas. As far as the strategies for the development of this sector are concerned, these need to focus on management, market planning, competition, marketing and public relations, successful spa factors, and the export market. On the other hand, strategies need to be devised pertaining to the development and supervision of standards, export promotion and spa development. Also included are strategies relating to quality service and customer satisfaction. Clearly, the strengths of this sector would form the foundation of the sales strategies, while efforts should be made to eliminate or improve upon any weaknesses to be found in this business.

Planosporangium thailandense sp. nov., isolated from soil from a Thai hot spring

A novel filamentous bacterial strain, HSS8-18(T), was isolated from soil from a hot-spring pond in Krabi province, Thailand. The isolate produced single globose bodies and short, finger-like sporangia directly from the substrate mycelium. The cell wall of the isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, arabinose and xylose. The characteristic phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylethanolamine and hydroxyl phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H2), MK-9(H4) and MK-10(H4) and the predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.0 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that isolate HSS8-18(T) belonged to the genus Planosporangium and shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Planosporangium flavigriseum YIM 46034(T) (98.3 %) and P. mesophilum YIM 48875(T) (98.0 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization results and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that strain HSS8-18(T) could be readily distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives. Based on phenotypic and genotypic properties, isolate HSS8-18(T) is judged to represent a novel species of the genus Planosporangium, for which the name Planosporangium thailandense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain HSS8-18(T) ( = BCC 41917(T) = JCM 17129(T)).

The Role of Collective Action in Enhancing Communities’ Adaptive Capacity to Environmental Risk: An Exploration of Two Case Studies from Asia

BackgroundIn this paper we examine the role of collective action in assisting rural communities to cope with and adapt to environmental risks in Nepalgunj, Nepal and Krabi Province, Thailand. Drawing upon two case studies, we explore the role of collective action in building adaptive capacity, paying particular attention to the role of social networks.MethodsData for this paper was gathered using a range of different methods across the two different studies. In Nepal semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders in addition to participant observation and secondary data collection. In Thailand the researchers utilised a vulnerability assessment, participatory multi-stakeholder assessment, a detailed case study and an online dialogue. FindingsWe make three key observations: firstly, collective action plays a significant role in enhancing adaptive capacity and hence should be more strongly considered in the development of climate change adaptation strategies; secondly, social networks are a particularly important component of collective action for the building of adaptive capacity; and thirdly, the mandate, capacity, and structure of local government agencies can influence the effectiveness of collective action, both positively and negatively.Conclusions We argue that there is an urgent need for further consideration of the different forms of collective action within community-based disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

Traffic risk behavior and perceptions of Thai motorcyclists: A case study

This study aimed to investigate Thai motorcyclists' traffic risk behavior and their perceptions of it, information of value in the design and implementation of public health policies and campaigns for the reduction of road injuries. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire completed by 399 motorcyclists in Muang Krabi district, Krabi province, Thailand. The questionnaire focused on the respondents' perceptions of general traffic risks and the specific risks at 3 identified hazardous sites. The results of the survey indicated that the correct fastening of helmet straps had a relationship with responsible traffic risk perceptions.

Coral recruitment and recovery after the 2004 Tsunami around the Phi Phi Islands (Krabi Province) and Phuket, Andaman Sea, Thailand

The 2004 tsunami left a discontinuous pattern of destruction in the reefs along Andaman Sea coast of Thailand. Here, a comparative assessment of coral recruitment was carried out to assess differences in recovery between damaged and undamaged sites in near-shore fringing reefs 1 and 3 years after the tsunami. Settlement plates showed high frequencies of coral spat after 4 months (<17 spat tile−1) in both, damaged and undamaged locations. Field surveys carried out 3 years after the tsunami on natural substrate confirmed that tsunami damage did not suppress recruitment in damaged sites relative to no impacted controls. New and stable settlement space along with unabated larval supply supported post-tsunami recruit densities up to 7.2 m−2 year−1. Mean recruit densities were found at the level of post-storm situations with rapid recovery success, suggesting that the duration of disturbance, degree of sorting and, hence, stability of coral rubble is a key determinant of recruitment success. Low regeneration success of some species e.g. branching acroporids and rebounding tourism industry at sites like Patong and partly around the Phi Phi Islands (dense carpets of filamentous algae) led to the assumption of selectivity and eventually to an alternation of the coral community even though live coral cover might be recovered soon.

A revision of the Thyropygus allevatus group. Part 2: the T. bifurcus subgroup (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Harpagophoridae)

The Thyropygus bifurcus subgroup of the T. allevatus group is revised. Four new species are described from Thailand: T. demangei n. sp., T. quadricuspis n. sp., T. richardhoffmani n. sp., from Trang province and T. casjeekeli n. sp., from Krabi province. The other species of the T. bifurcus subgroup, viz., T. bifurcus (Demange, 1986), and T. enghoffi (Demange, 1989), are redescribed.

Diversity Status and Sustainable Uses of Some Minor Forest Products in Ban Thung Soong Community Forest in Krabi Province, Thailand

The diversity status and sustainable uses of some Minor Forest Products in Ban Thung Soong Community Forest in Krabi Province were evaluated based on Important Value Index (IVI) analysis, utilizing method and quantitative ecological data based on local wisdom. The studies were found that at the highest level of 200-300 m altitude, the number of trees and total basal area was the highest than at level elevations of 0-100 m and 100-200 m from 12 stands (20x50 m2/stand). From IVI analysis, there were 65 species of plants found in Ban Thung Soong Community Forest (BTSCF). Analysis of IVI were found that the Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch.) I.C.Nielsen shows the highest IVI with 22.37%. The highest percentage of relative density, relative frequencies and relative dominance were found in Homalium undulatum King with 7.50%, and 7.55% with Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch.) I.C.Nielsen respectively. The numbers of species in BTSCF were 49+65 species ha-1 and comprises of number of trees, saplings and seedlings ha-1 were 4,697; 119,166 and 252,500 of trees ha-1 respectively. There were 49 species categorized as Minor Forest Products (MFPs) which include medicinal plants, edible plants, and non-edible plants.

Evaluation of the Response of the Swedish Healthcare System to the Tsunami Disaster in South East Asia.

When the tsunami in South East Asia hit the coast of Thailand on December 26, 2004, approximately 20,000 Swedish tourists were in the disaster zone. Of these, 548 died or were lost and more than 1500 were injured. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of the Swedish health care system to the disaster in terms of assessment and support in the disaster zone, evacuation back to Sweden and continued treatment in Sweden. The evaluation was carried out based on (1) structured questionnaires to the staff of Thai hospitals, injured Swedish citizens and Swedish voluntary workers in the disaster zone; (2) semi-structured interviews with representatives of involved authorities, regional health care centres in Thailand and Sweden, hospital command centres, individuals treated for injuries and volunteer workers involved with supporting the injured; (3) on-site visits in the disaster zone; (4) analysis of reports following the tsunami. A total of 11,000 injured were treated during the first 3 days following the tsunami at the six major hospitals in the Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi provinces where the majority of the Swedish citizens were primarily taken care of. Of these 11,000, 3000 required hospital admission against a total bed capacity of 1400. Almost 1500 surgical operations were performed during the first 3 days across 33 operating theatres. Thai health care representatives and staff confirmed the requirement for teams from countries with many tourists in the area for practical and psychological support, interpretation, assessment for evacuation and undertaking early evacuation to home nations to release local health care resources. This need was also supported by the injured. Sweden, having the highest number of injured citizens next to the host country, was very late compared to other countries in sending assessment teams to the area and in supplying the needed support. With increased international travelling, many countries today have large numbers of their citizens in other parts of the world. For Sweden, this has been estimated to be 400,000 at any one time, often in areas known to be risk zones for natural disasters and terrorism. This fact of modern-day life demands welldesigned plans to support both citizens in the area and the local health care in several ways: non-medical support by mediating contact between injured and local medical staff, psychological and practical support, support in evacuating own citizens from the area to release local health care and (under specific conditions) medical support. This planning has to include prepared assessment teams that can be rapidly deployed to the scene and a command structure permitting rapid and accurate decisions on a governmental level.

Sea navigation, challenges and potentials in South East Asia: an assessment of suitable sites for a shipping canal in the South Thai Isthmus

This paper discusses the situation of sea navigation in south East Asia focusing on the Strait of Malacca. The strait links the Indian and Pacific oceans, which is considered one of the busiest in several narrow channels around the world. The paper highlights the significance of the strait to global maritime trade, volume of traffic, and rising environmental and social consequences in the strait. A feasibility study of constructing a new shipping canal in the South Thai Kra Isthmus as an alternative option of Malacca route had been studied since 19th century. The paper explores suitable sites for a potential shipping canal in the Kra Isthmus using physiographic spatial data i.e., elevation, sea charts, geology, soils and river systems. Each spatial data was considered as a separate decision variable for site evaluation. Separate evaluation criterions were prepared for each variable based on shipping canal requirements. Overlaying the maps in GIS environment, the variables were carefully evaluated, and five geographic sites for the canal were derived. The length of the shipping canal over sea and land was computed for each site. Site B located in south of Ranong and Chumphon provinces, was the shortest one, whereas site C in Surat Thani, Pangnna and Krabi provinces was the longest. However, each site consisted of benefits and constraints.

Leaving nothing but ripples on the water: performing ecotourism natures

This paper investigates nature–society relationships through the socio-spatial practices of ecotourism. Drawing on Whatmore's ideas of ‘hybrid geographies’, we examine the embodied experiences of kayakers participating in ecotours in Krabi Province, Thailand. Calling upon relational materiality, particular attention is given to the corporeal mobilities and experiences to explore performing ecotourism natures of the kayaker. Our case study provides a lens through which to explore methods for engaging with the sensuous worlds. Our results suggest that in the performances of enacting ecotourism geographies, kayakers are unable to move beyond the bounds of the natural premised on its separation from the human realm. We conclude by critically reflecting on our methodology.

Isolation and Characterization of Cancer Chemopreventive Compounds from Barringtonia maunwongyathiae

A new plant species, Barringtonia maunwongyathiae. W. Chuakul (Lecythidaceae), was recently discovered in Khuan Thon Forest, Ao Luek District, Krabi Province, Thailand. Chemical investigation of the leaves of this plant led to the isolation of 10 triterpenes, 3 steroids, and a vitamin E derivative. The structures of these compounds were identified as taraxerol (1), 3-(E.)-coumaroyltaraxerol (2), 3-(Z.)-coumaroyltaraxerol (3), 3-(E.)-coumaroyl β.-amyrin (4), 3-(Z.)-coumaroyl β.-amyrin (5), 3-(E.)-coumaroyl α.-amyrin (6), 3-(Z.)-coumaroyl α.-amyrin (7), 3-(E.)-coumaroyllupeol (8), 3-(Z.)-coumaroyllupeol (9), 3,19,24-trihydroxyurs-12-ene-28-oic acid (10), stigma-4,22-dien-3-one (11), β.-stigmasterol (12), 3-O.-β.-D-glucopyranosyl-stigmasta-5,22-diene (13), and α.-tocopherylquinone (14). All compounds were evaluated for their cancer chemopreventive potential based on inhibition of TPA-induced ornithine decarboxylase expression, COX-1 and COX-2 activities, and phorbol ester–induced NF-κB luciferase expression, as well as activation of antioxidant response element–mediated luciferase expression. Compounds 1, 2, and 14 demonstrated greatest promise, while 12 and 13 showed moderate activity.

Prevalence of anemia in pre - school childrenin Krabi Province

Prevalence of anemia in pre - school childrenin Krabi Province

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Among Children in Tsunami-Affected Areas in Southern Thailand

On December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake occurred off the northwestern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The tsunami that followed severely impacted all 6 southwestern provinces of Thailand, where approximately 20,000 children were directly affected. To assess trauma experiences and the prevalence of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among children in tsunami-affected provinces in southern Thailand. Population-based mental health surveys were conducted among children aged 7 to 14 years in Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi provinces from February 15-22, 2005 (2 months posttsunami), and September 7-12, 2005 (9 months posttsunami). Trauma experiences and symptoms of PTSD and depression as measured by a tsunami-modified version of the PsySTART Rapid Triage System, the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index, and the Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale. A total of 371 children (167 displaced and living in camps, 99 not displaced from villages affected by the tsunami, and 105 not displaced from unaffected villages) participated in the first survey. The prevalence rates of PTSD symptoms were 13% among children living in camps, 11% among children from affected villages, and 6% among children from unaffected villages (camps vs unaffected villages, P = .25); for depression symptoms, the prevalence rates were 11%, 5%, and 8%, respectively (P = .39). In multivariate analysis of the first assessment, having had a delayed evacuation, having felt one's own or a family member's life to have been in danger, and having felt extreme panic or fear were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms. Older age and having felt that their own or a family member's life had been in danger were significantly associated with depression symptoms. In the follow-up survey, 72% (151/210) of children from Phang Nga participated. Prevalence rates of symptoms of PTSD and depression among these children did not decrease significantly over time. This assessment documents the prevalence of mental health problems among children in tsunami-affected provinces in southern Thailand at 2 and 9 months posttsunami. Traumatic events experienced during the tsunami were significantly associated with symptoms of PTSD and depression. These data may be useful to target mental health services for children and may inform the design of these interventions.

Behaviors and perceptions of Japanese tourists affecting diarrheal illness and health care need assessment: A questionnaire study

ObjectivesTo measure the prevalence rate of, and determine the association between food and drink related behaviors and diarrheal illness among Japanese tourists, and assess their health care needs.MethodsEligible Japanese tourists (1,480) aged ≥15 years traveling in Chiangmai Province in the north, Ayutthaya Province in the center, Kanchanaburi Province in the west, Pattaya City in the east, and Krabi Province in the south of Thailand were enrolled in the study. Of these tourists, 1,318 consented to participate in this study and completed questionnaires in Japanese, giving a response rate of 89.1%.ResultsAmong these Japanese tourists 21.3% had diarrheal illness, and of these tourists, 5.0% had classical travelers’ diarrhea (TD), 11.8% had mild TD, 3.3% had good food and drink related behaviors, and 75.4% had moderate level of perception of diarrhea related to drinking and eating. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated three significant diarrheal illness predictors: large number of previous visits to Thailand, longer stay in Thailand, and the experience of visiting other countries. Furthermore, 56.9% suggested providing an adequate number of toilets at tourist destinations; 53.9% suggested providing a 24-hour emergency call facility for a public ambulance; and 51.9% suggested providing garbage bins and garbage disposal facilities at tourist destinations.ConclusionsTD still affects experienced Japanese tourists who visit Thailand. Although the proportions of the good levels of food and drink related behaviors were low, there were indications that Japanese tourists perceived the risk of contracting TD.