The document summarizes a study on the geotourism management of the Khon Kaen Geopark in Thailand. The geopark is the country's first dinosaur fossil site, having found at least 16 dinosaur species including 4 newly discovered species. The study used mixed quantitative and qualitative methods including surveys and interviews to assess visitor opinions and identify issues. Key findings indicated visitors enjoyed the attractions but improvements were needed in areas like security, interpretation, and marketing. Stakeholders wanted better community involvement, management coordination, and resources to help develop the geopark. The results can inform geopark development in Khon Kaen and other areas.

1. Supamitr Jantakham and Namphon Kampilang
Department of Mineral Resources, Thailand
Email: Jantakhamavikul@gmail.com
Regional Geoheritage Conference 2018 2016, April 2-4, 2018, Pullman Khon Kaen Orchid, Thailand

2.  Background
 Objectives
 Atractions in Khon Kaen Geopark
 Methodology
 Results
 Conclusion & Recommendations

3.  Khon Kaen Geopark is Thailand’s first dinosaur fossil evacuation
area, dinosaur fossils least 16 species were found. There are
four world’s new species of dinosaur were found –
Phuwiangosaurus sirindhorne , Siamosaurus suteethorni ,
Ginnareemimus khonkaenensis and Siamotyrannus isanensis.
 DMR and Khon Kaen Province selected as the potential geopark,
also attempt to develop the Geopark as a national geopark as
well as enter the Global Geopark Networks under supervision of
UNESCO.

4. The unique land of Dinosaurs,
Landscape, Culture,
and Geo-teaching based
Siamotyrannus isanensis
Phuwiangosaurus sirindhorne
Ginnareemimus khonkaenensis
Siamosaurus suteethorni
Geological Attractions
Natural Attractions
Cultural Attractions

5. Attractions in Khon Kaen Geopark

6.  To study the situation of geotourism management
in the Khon Kaen Geopark
 To suggest the development of geotourism
management in the Khon Kaen Geopark

7. Step 1 : Quantitative approach (Qn)
Mixed Methods Research
= Quantitative approach (Qn) + Qualitative approach (Ql)
Questionnaire for studying visitors’ opinions on the management of Khon
Kaen Geopark, Wiang Kao district, Khon Kaen province. This questionnaire
includes 8 parts – attractions, amenity, accessibility, geotourism activities,
Geology interpretation, security, tourist management, and marketing. The
sample consists of 400 visitors.
In-depth interview of 20 key informants, which are stakeholders of the Khon
Kaen Geopark development.
Step 2 : Qualitative approach (Ql)

8. Visitor’s responds

9. Results of quantitative research

10. ◦ Most visitors were the students visiting during
excursion. The main reason of visiting was to
learn about dinosaur and develop skills in
science, geology, and natural science.
◦ The visitors had a high positive opinion of the
attractions, geotourism activities, tourist
management, and amenity. However, there are
some issues should be improved such as
security, accessibility, Geology interpretation,
and tourism marketing.
Results of quantitative research

11.  Local residents’ participation in geotourism management – local
residents and sectors lack of accurately understanding about the local
attractions and preservation. The community is yet to have responsibilities
in development planning. This causes the current ill-management. Also
there are no affairs, local tours, and community leader to liaise and
determine a clear vision. Finally, the budget for continual management is
also limited.
 Problems to the geotourism management; the sensitivity about
destruction and deterioration of site, lack of geotourism activities
incorporating with local culture, lack of geo-interpretation, and the water
scarcity is also another vital issue when maximum number of visitors is
reached.
 Need to future geotourism development – local community needs a
world-standard tourist attraction, or a UNESCO’s world heritage geopark.
They wished to be financially supported. Also they need updated knowledge
and human resources. This is to encourage a more concrete tourism with
the local community playing an important role.

12.  the suggestion for development of geotourism
management in the Khon Kaen Geopark;
◦ Set up an integrated managing group or panel of all
sectors.
◦ Set up a tourism development plan by integrating all
sectors.
◦ Develop and revitalize geological attractions
◦ Build a clear tourism image and link all tourism routes
in the region.
◦ Raise an awareness and distribute crucial geotourism
knowledge to local residents and visitors

13.  Sectors benefited from these results include the provincial
office, DMR, the Khon Kaen Office of Tourism and Sports,
Phuwiang National Park, the office of Authority of Tourism
of Thailand, Wiang Kao local administrative offices, local
community, and so on. These sectors can utilize the
results from this research information for decision
making, policy making, setting up tourism standard,
building geopark management model scheme, drafting
a proposal for the Provincial and National Geopark,
and an evaluation for entering Global Geopark
Networks.
 These results can be used as a case study or applied to
the geotourism development planning of other geoparks.