Introduction, Natural Resources and Environment Sector and Agricultural Sector

1. Rural Regional Planning Workshop
January – May 2008
Workshop Report
Development Planning of
Khok Charoen District, Lopburi Province
Submitted to
Asso. Prof. Dr.Soparth Pongquan
Professor J.K. Routray
Mr. Vitoon Nil-Ubol
Submitted by
Rural regional Development Planning Student
Rural Regional Development Planning Field of Study
School of Environment, Resources and Development
Asian Institute of Technology
Thailand

2. Acknowledgments
First, we would like to express our deep gratitude to Prof.J.K.Routray, School of
Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, and Dr. Soparth
Pongquan, Associate professor, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian
Institute of Technology for their kind and field and class room guidance, comments, and their
technical assistance in preparing this report and to learn a valid practical social research
methodologies.
This report and field work was become successfully possible due to Mr. Vitoon Nil-ubol,
RRDP Field Laboratory Supervisor, School of Environment, Resources and Development,
Asian Institute of Technology. We heartily acknowledged his efforts in preparing schedules,
organizing filed surveys and trips and data collection. We also extend our thanks to all the
senior Thai students who acted as translator and made our job easier while data collection and
even in data organizing.
Finally, our greatest appreciation is given to local people of Khok Chareon district and TAO
officials, and other officials at the district and provincial level for their warm contribution and
support.
ii

3. Workshop Participants
1 Mr. Abdul Waheed Pakistan
2 Mr. Abid Hussain Pakistan
3 Mr. Alam Mohammad Pakistan
4 Mr. Amar B. Thing Nepal
5 Mr. Bashirullah Khpalwan Afghanistan
6 Ms. Chaba Srisuno Thailand
7 Mr. Choen Krainara Thailand
8 Mr. Imran Taj Hassani Pakistan
9 Mr. Junaid Alam Memon Pakistan
10 Mr. Khampu Phoyyavong Laos
11 Mr. Mahtab Ahmad Pakistan
12 Mr. Mizan ul-Rahman Bangladesh
13 Ms. Naw Pe The Law Myanmar
14 Ms. Nay New Myanmar
15 Ms. Poonam Sharma Nepal
16 Mr. S.Apichatthanapath (seng) Thailand
17 Mr. Sarawuth Wattatham Thailand
18 Ms. Sirinath Matra (Noi) Thailand
19 Mr. Sothy Va Cambodia
20 Ms. Tran Thi Bach CUC Vietnam
21 Ms. Yupa Naw Myanmar
22 Mr. Zhang Jun China
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4. TABLE OF CONTACTS
Chapter Title Page
Acknowledgment і
Workshop Participants іі
Table of contacts ііi
List of Table vi
List of Figures x
List of Maps xiii
1. Introduction 1
1.1 Study Area Identification Phase 2
1.2 Preparatory Phase 2
1.3 Field Investigation Phase I 2
1.4 Data Analysis Phase I 2
1.5 Field Investigation Phase II 2
1.6 Data Analysis Phase II 3
1.7 Planning Phase 3
1.8 Synthesis 3
2. Natural Resources and Environment Sector 5
2.1 Over view and outline 5
2.2 Topography and Climate 6
2.3 Soil 11
2.4 Land 19
2.5 Water 23
2.6 Forest 26
2.6a Case Study of Tambon Yangrak Community Forestry 28
2.7 Minerals 30
2.8 Environmental Issues 32
2.8a A Case Study on Pollution from Open Sugarcane Burning in 33
Tambon Nang Makha
2.9 Relevant Government Policies and Strategies on NRE 35
2.10 Sectoral Analyses and Interrelation of Key Issues 37
2.10.1 Conclusions 40
3. Agricultural Sector 42
3.1 Land for Agriculture
3.2 Water Resources 50
3.3 Soil for Agriculture
3.3a Water Management: A case study on water users’ organization 53
3.4 Crops 55
3.5 Livestock and Poultry 66
3.6 Fishery 72
3.7 Agricultural Employment 74
3.8 Khok Chareon District Agriculture Office 74
3.9 Agriculture Extension Service 74
iv

5. 3.10 Tambon Agriculture Technology Transfer Centre 76
3.11 Case study on Integrated Farming System 78
3.12 Case study on chemical free vegetable plantation 80
3.13 Case study on paddy farming group 82
3.14 Agricultural Credit 83
3.15 Agriculture Policies 84
3.16 Problems and prospects 86
3.17 Conclusions and recommendations 87
4. Non Agricultural Sector 88
4.1 Industrial Sector 91
- Thai Hand Weaving Group, Tambon Khok Charoen 103
- Thai hand weaving group, Tambon Khok Samae San 105
- Thong Muan production, Tambon Nong Makha 106
- Basketry group – Wang Thong 109
4.2 Trade and Commerce 116
4.3 Tourism 133
4.4 Problems and Potential Analysis of Non-Agriculture Sector 138
4.5 Conclusion and Recommendation 140
5. Infrastructure Sector 143
5.1 Introduction 143
5.2 Settlement 144
5.3 Connection network: Time distance and accessibility 147
5.4 Public transportation (Bus) 152
5.5 Water Supply System 153
5.5.1 Case study 154
5.6 Power supply systems 155
5.7 Telecommunication 156
5.8 Overall Development 158
6. Social Sector 161
6.1 Population 161
6.1.2 Population Structure 161
6.1.6 Population Projection 165
6.1.11 Migration 170
6.1.13 Policies and Programs on Poverty Alleviation 171
6.2.1 Health policies and strategies 174
- Public Health Station - Tambon Yang Rak 183
- District hospital, Khok Charoen – A case study 185
6.3 Education
- Case Study on Yang Rak Vittaya School 206
- Case Study of Village Development Fund Project in Supporting 208
Students’ Study
6.3.10 Non-Formal Education 210
6.3.13 Vocational Training 214
6.4.1 Thailand’s Administrative Structure 218
6.4.3 Community Planning Process of Tambon 223
6.4.6 The Community Development Department (CDD 228
- A Case study on Weaving Group 230
v

6. - Saving group case study in Tambon Khok Charoen 231
- Village Development Funds Case Study on Village 232
Development Funds village no.of 8 Tambon Wang Tong
6.4.12 Social Welfare and Issues 235
6.4.15 Summary of problems and potentials for the Social sector 236
7. Project proposals 237
- Awareness Raising Project on Natural Resources and 237
Environmental Problems
- Promoting Community Forestry in Tambon Wangthong 243
- Agriculture Technology Transfer Centre Strengthening Project 248
- Enhancement of Area under Cassava Cultivation 250
- Cooperative weaving centre 252
- Formation of Weaving Training and Demonstration Center as a 258
Culture Tourism
- Provision of Community Shallow Tub-well 265
- Skill improvement program for OTOP groups in Khok Charoen 267
district
References 270
Appendices 272
vi

7. LIST OF TABLE
Table Title Page
Table 2.1 Classification of Major Soils in Khok Charoen district 11
Table 2.2 Soil quality with reference to the villages in the district 13
Table 2.3 Soil Suitability analysis of Khok Charoen District with reference to Tambons 14
Table 2.4 Types and Number of Land Ownerships in Khok Charoen District 20
Table 2.5 Details of the Natural Sources of water in Khok Charoen District 23
Table 2.6 Overall Policies of Natural Resources and Environment Sector 39
Table 3.1 Total cultivable agricultural land, households and average land holding size 43
Table 3.2 Land area and percentage of land occupied by agriculture and others 43
Table 3.3 Agricultural Land Use by Tambon Wise 44
Table 3.4 Upland and Lowland Crop by Tambon Wise 45
Table 3.5 Factors affecting crop performance and suitability 47
Table 3.6 General Soil Observation 47
Table 3.7 Soil Fertility Analysis 48
Table 3.8 Available water storage resources 50
Table 3.9 Situation of cultivable area and available stored water resources 52
Table 3.10 Cropping pattern 56
Table 3.11 Cropping Calendar 57
Table 3.12 Cropping Intensity 57
Table 3.13 Average Yield 58
Table 3.14 Benefit Cost ratio calculation of major crops 59
Table 3.15 Comparative statement of livestock and agriculture production 64
Table 3.16 Human resource of livestock department in Khok Charoen District 67
Table 3.17 Poultry Population in District Khok Charoen 70
Table 3.18 Number of fish farmers, fish farmers, production and areas 72
Table 3.19 Number of fish farmers, fish farmers, production and areas 72
Table 3.20 Number of fish farmers, fish farmers, production and areas 73
Table 3.21 Number of fish farmers, fish farmers, production and areas 73
Table 3.22 Number of fish farmers, fish farmers, production and areas 73
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8. Table 3.23 Summary information about the three Financial Institutions 83
Table 4.1 General information of Lop Buri province 88
Table 4.2 Breakdown of income generated by sector 88
Table 4.3 Comprehensive picture of Non-agricultural sector in Khok Charoen district 90
Table 4.4 Summary of supporting institutions of industries and OTOPs 91
Table 4.5 Industry situation in Lop Buri province 94
Table 4.6 Current situation in Khok Charoen district 95
Table 4.7 Number of agricultural household per one agro-processing industry 95
Table 4.8 Change in number of OTOP projects in different districts between 2006-07 98
Table 4.9 Comparison of income generated from OTOPs among different districts 99
Table 4.10 Comparison of successful OTOPs (4 stars or more) in different districts of 99
Lopburi
Table 4.11 List of OTOPs in Khok Charoen district 100
Table 4.12 Comparison among OTOPs 108
Table 4.13 List of main problems in the industrial sector 114
Table 4.14 List of potentials of industrial sector in Khok Charoen 115
Table 4.15 Distribution time and place of weekly market in Khok Charoen district. 117
Table 4.16 Distribution of total shop by Tambon 119
Table 4.17 Distribution of Shops by Tambon 120
Table 4.18 Ratio of Population under the Service of Shops in Tambon 120
Table 4.19 Markets, Location and Time Spent of Inflow Products 125
Table 4.20 Markets, Location and Time Spent of Outflow Products 128
Table 4.21 Number of Clients and Loan Amount Disbursed 130
Table 4.22 Department of Business Development Strategy (2008-2012) 132
Table 4.23 Internal Tourism Statistics of Lop Buri Province 133
Table 4.24 Attractive tourist place in Lop Buri by share of visitors in 2004 134
Table 4.25 SWOT analysis of tourism 138
Table 5.1 Population Density and Settlement Pattern of District Khock Charoen 145
Table 5.2 Average time 147
Table 5.3 Roads density 148
Table 5.4 Cumulative road density 148
Table 5.5 Accessibility to facilities 151
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9. Table 5.6 Construction and maintenance 151
Table 5.7 Individual transport 152
Table 5.8 Water availability 153
Table 5.9 Case study 154
Table 5.10 Power supply 155
Table 5.11 Telecommunication 156
Table 5.12 Overall development 158
Table 6.1 Households size change by Tambon, 2004-2007 161
Table 6.2 Population Density by Tambon 161
Table 6.3 Population by gender, 2007 163
Table 6.4 Comparison of Male and Female Sex Ratio 164
Table 6.5 The dependency and dependency ratio 165
Table 6.6 Population projected by Tambon 2015 and 2020 166
Table 6.7 The population growth rate Khok Charoen district, 2003-2007 166
Table 6.8 Birth and Death Rates Khok Charoen district, 2007 167
Table 6.9 Household income 168
Table 6.10 Poverty rate by Tambon in 2004-2007 168
Table 6.11 Type of poverty problems 169
Table 6.12 Tambon wise out - migration 170
Table 6.13 Tambon wise in - migration 171
Table 6.14 Accessibility of public health stations/hospital 176
Table 6.15 Distribution of health facilities with respect population 177
Table 6.16 Detail of health personnel 178
Table 6.17 Details of major disease in the district 180
Table 6.18 Distribution of Education Institutions by Tambons 194
Table 6.19 Ratio of Student-classroom Khok Chareon District 194
Table 6.20 Ratio of Students-classroom in Pre-primary Education Khok Chareon District 196
Table 6.21 Ratio of Student-classroom in Primary School, Khok Chareon District 196
Table 6.22 Ratio of Students-classroom in Lower Secondary Education, Khok Chareon 197
District
Table 6.23 Ratio of Students-classroom in Upper Secondary Education, Khok Chareon 198
District
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10. Table 6.24 Number of Teachers by Qualification in Khok Chorean District, Academic Year 198
2006
Table 6.25 Students-teacher Ratio by School 199
Table 6.26 Students-teacher Ratio by Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary School 200
Table 6.27 Percentage of Dropout by Schools 200
Table 6.28 Time of Distance to a Particular School Service by Foot and by Bike 203
Table 6.29 Schedule of English Teacher of Anu Bann Khok Charoen School 204
Table 6.30 School Assessment by External Education in Khok Charoen District 205
Table 6.31 Number of Villages Reached at Progressive Level of Studying Continuation 206
Table 6.32 The Students-to-computer Ratio, Yang Rak Wittaya School 206
Table 6.33 Number of Students in Yang Rak Wittaya School by Gender and Grade 207
Table 6.34 The Distribution of Scholarship in Khok Charoen District, 2008 209
Table 6.35 The Rate of Illiteracy by Tambons in 2007 211
Table 6.36 Non-formal Education Projects’ Plan and Budget, Khok Chaoren District, 212
2007
Table 6.37 Community Learning Centers in Khok Charoen District 214
Table 6.38 Report Fiscal Year 2007: Education and Training to Improve Vocational 215
Skills
Table 6.39 Human Resource of the Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) 221
Table 6.40 Income and Expenditure by Tambon in Khok Charoen District, 2007 221
Table 6.41 Local Revenues by Source of income in TAO, 2007 222
Table 6.42 Expenditure of TAO 222
Table 6.43 List of Development Projects in Khok Charoen District 223
Table 6.44 Percentage of Local People’s Participation in Khok Charoen District 225
Table 6.45 Institutional support from Line Ministries in Khok Charoen District 227
Table 6.46 List of Community Groups in Khok Charoen District by Tambon 229
Table 6.47 Finance group and the budget in five Tampons, 2007 230
Table 6.48 Detail of assistance provided to needy people 235
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11. LIST OF FIGURE
Figure Title Page
Figure 1.1 Rural and Regional Planning Workshop Methodology 4
Figure 2.1 Percentage Distribution of the Area by Tambon 7
Figure 2.2 Rainfall Data Lopburi Metrological Station (1988-2006) 9
Figure 2.3 No of Rainy Days, Lopburi Metrological Station (1997-06) 9
Figure 2.4 Average Max/Min Temperature 9
Figure 2.5 Average Humidity, Lopburi Metrological Station (1988-2006) 9
Figure 2.6 Percentage distribution of the soil under major groups 13
Figure 2.7 Alternative for Planting in Khok Charoen District 18
Figure 2.8 Villages with Access to Clean Drinking Water 25
Figure 2.9 Villages with Access to Clean Drinking Water for Domestic Uses 25
Figure 2.10 Villages with Access to water for agricultural purposes 26
Figure 2.11 Utilization and appearance of Perlite 30
Figure 3.1 Land Use 42
Figure 3.2 Upland and low land crop area 44
Figure 3.3 Upland and Low land crop by Tambon 45
Figure 3.4 Agricultural land use by Tambon 46
Figure 3.5 Soil Fertility Level 49
Figure 3.6 Tambon wise percentage of total water storage capacity 50
Figure 3.7 Comparison of cultivable land and water resources 52
Figure 3.8 Area under the different cropping patterns 56
Figure 3.9 Cropping Intensity 58
Figure 3.10 Gross Benefits vs Production Cost (per rai) 60
Figure 3.11 Benefit cost ratio analysis of major crops 60
Figure 3.12 Number of Livestock (cattle- Buffalo, Sheep, Pig) in 2008 67
Figure 3.13 Livestock population in Tambon Khok Charoen 67
Figure 3.14 Livestock population in Tambon Yang Rack 68
Figure 3.15 Livestock population in Tambon Nong Makah 68
Figure 3.16 Livestock population in Tambon Khok Samae 69
Figure 3.17 Comparison of Tombon wise livestock population percentage 69
Figure 3.18 Percentage of Production System 70
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12. Figure 3.19 Khok Chareon district Agriculture Organizational Chart 75
Figure 4.1 Employment status at provincial level 89
Figure 4.2 Breakdown of employment by sub-sector in Lopburi 89
(in number of worker)
Figure: 4.3 Industrial Development and Planning Zone of Thailand 92
Figure 4.4 Percentage distribution of cottage industries by location/Tambon 95
Figure 4.5 Distribution of cottage industries (rice mills) 96
Figure 4.6 Distribution of OTOPs among different districts 97
Figure 4.7 Distribution of OTOPs by location/Tambon 101
Figure 4.8 Distribution of OTOPs by function among Tambon 101
Figure 4.9 Distribution of OTOPs by function among different areas within 102
Khok Charoen district
Figure 4.10 Marketing channels for weaving products 105
Figure 4.11 Marketing channels of Thong Muan production 107
Figure 4.12 Marketing channels for handicraft basketry 110
Figure 4.13 Marketing channels of dried cassava. 111
Figure 4.14 Marketing channels of products from rice mill. 111
Figure 4.15 Density of Population to Private Shops Map 121
Figure 4.16 Distribution of Weekly Market Map 122
Figure 4.17 Market Linkage 123
Figure 4.18 Marketing Chanel of cloths 126
Figure 4.19 Marketing Chanel of groceries 126
Figure 4.20 Marketing Chanel of House ware products 127
Figure 4.21 Marketing Chanel of Electric ware Products 127
Figure 4.22 Distribution of Tax revenue of Khok Charoen District in 2006 129
Figure 4.23 Tax Revenues Generated from Private Shop by Tambon in 2007 129
Figure 4.24 Tourist Map in Lop Buri Province 135
Figure 5.1 Size of Household 145
Figure 5.2 Individual transports 152
Figure 5.3 Availability of water 153
Figure 5.4 Power supply 155
Figure 5.5 TOT and cell phone 157
xii

13. Figure 5.6 Overall development 158
Figure 6.1 Population Distributions by Tambon 162
Figure 6.2 Population by age and gender 163
Figure 6.3 Gender balance 163
Figure 6.4 Population pyramid 164
Figure 6.5 Population Growth Rate 167
Figure 6.6 Achievement of households have saving by Tambon 169
Figure 6.7 Location of public health station 176
Figure 6.8 Distribution of health facilities 177
Figure 6.9 Distribution of nurses in the district 178
Figure 6.10 Resident environment 180
Figure 6.11 Health and Hygiene conditions 181
Figure 6.12 Distribution of health volunteers in four Tambons 181
Figure 6.13 Organization Structure Khok Charoen Hospital 185
Figure 6.14 Details of health awareness schemes 187
Figure 6.15 Organization of the Present School System in Thailand 191
Figure 6.16 Education Administration and Management Structure 193
Figure 6.17 Percentage of Classrooms by Education Level 195
Figure 6.18 Percentage of Students by Education Level 195
Figure 6.19 Percentage of Villages Achieved Progressive Education Level by Tambons 203
Figure 6.20 The Changing of Numbers of Students by Gender and Grades 207
Figure 6.21 The National and Local Government Structure in 218
Figure 6.22 TAO Administrative Chart 220
Figure 6.23 Development Project of TAOs 224
Figure 6.24 People’s Participation in Social Activities by Five Tambon 226
Figure 6.25 Community Development Department working 228
Figure 6.26 Number of villages becoming sufficiency economy village 228
Figure 6.27 Number of villages having Public Information Centre in Khok Charoen 228
District
xiii

14. LIST OF MAPS
Map Title Page
Map 2.1 Topographic map of Khok Chareon District 8
Map 2.2 Villages Affected by Storm in Tambon Khok Charoen 11
Map 2.3 Soil Type 16
Map 2.4 Soil Suitability Map, Khok Charoen Disitrict 17
Map 2.5 Land Use Pattern 19
Map 2.6 Land Reformed in Tambon Khok Samae San, Khok Charoen District 21
Map 2.7 Drainage Map Showing Water Bodies 24
Map 2.8 Distributions of Land and Forest Resources in Khok Charoen District 27
Map 3.1 Distributions of Water Resources 51
Map 3.2 Showing water reservoir in the study district 53
Map 3.3 Demonstration Farm Sites 77
Map 5.1 Settlement pattern of Khok Chareon 144
Map 5.2 Population density of Khok Charoen district 146
Map 5.3 Population distribution 146
Map 5.4 Road network 147
Map 5.5 Flow map 149
Map 5.6 Distribution of Facilities 150
Map 5.7 Accessibility of facilities 150
Map 6.1 School Distribution in Khok Charoen District 202
xiv

15. CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This report is prepared by the students who participated in the Rural and Regional Planning
Workshop which was conducted form January to May 2008 as part of the Masters and
Doctors Program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The objective of this report is to
understand the current situation and development level of the district, and then to provide any
recommendations or suggestions for future district development planning to the local
authorities or any other relevant organizations. The report is based on both primary and
secondary data sources. Main sources of secondary data have been NRD-2C and BMN as
well as statistics and documents provided by the local government offices and organizations.
The study area of Khok Chareon District is situated in Lobburi Province and had the
following features. The district (King Amphoe) was created on March 9th, 1987 by splitting
off four tambon from Khok Samrong District. It was upgraded to a full district on November
4th, 1993 with total area of 317.14 Km2 or 198212 rai with five subdistricts (tambons) and 53
villages.
Socio-economic Characteristics of the study area
• The main occupation is agriculture
• Hospital: 10 bedrooms, 2 doctors, 1 dentist, 28 nurses, 1 pharmacist, 11 public health
officers
• None of bank
• None of department store
• There are 16 Primary Schools
• 2 Secondary Schools: (Khok Charoen Withaya School and Yang Rak Withaya
School)
• 1 Research Station: Kasetsart University in Moo 4, Tambon Yang Rak
• Total households 7142
• Total Population 24457
• Agriculture and industry
î Main agricultural goods: maize, sugarcane, potato, sorghum
î Main water sources: Sub Song Stream, Ma Deu Stream
î None of industry
• Tourist Attractions
î None of ancient remains and antiques
î Tourist Attractions: handmade silk center, Chang village headman’s grape field
15

16. î Hotel: Sak Thong Phra Narai Resort
î None of guest house
î Restaurant: J’ Lek Restaurant next to the Khok Charoen District Office
• Significant natural resources of Khok Charoen District
î Perlite mineral in Tambon Khok Samae San and Tambon Yangrak
1. Methodology:
Rural and Regional Planning Workshop has various steps (Figure 1.1). These steps were
grouped into phases.
1.1Study Area Identification Phase
Faculty and staff identified the study area for the workshop. In this case Khok Charoen
district was identified. The faculty and associated proceeded with the collection of
secondary data about the study area.
1.2 Preparatory Phase
In this phase objectives of the workshop were formulated. Different literatures were
reviewed such as the study area profile, the previous workshop reports and planning
reports. Conceptual framework was prepared from these studies.
1.3 Field Investigation Phase 1
Study area reconnaissance survey was done in this phase. This survey was intended to get
an overall picture of the situation of the district through field observation, Rapid Rural
Appraisal (RRA) with local groups and project activities in the study area. During the
visit secondary data and information were obtained from district and sub-district levels.
Key problems and issues encountered in the sub-district and district levels were identified
from primary and secondary sources.
1.4 Analysis Phase 1
Data and information collected during the reconnaissance survey, the local groups and
project activities, the NRD-2C database by village on selected aspects (general,
economic, education, health, labor and social), BMN of the sub-districts and other
secondary data were analyzed and key problems were identified into difference sectors.
The data requirement, data sources and data gaps were worked out for detailed survey.
16

17. 1.5 Field Investigation Phase 2
During the field investigation, the participants were assigned to 5 separate sector groups
namely:
I. Natural Resources and Environment Sector
II. Agriculture Sector
III. Non-agriculture Sector
IV. Infrastructure Sector
V. Social Sector
The respective groups collected data and information of study area, i.e. the problems, needs,
potentials and key issues, focusing on their sectors. Data such as descriptive statistics, annual
reports, provincial plans, sectoral plans, line department plans, district plans, sub-district
(Tambon) agriculture plans, Tambon administrative organization development plans, maps,
topographic sheets, and others, were collected from line agencies, departments and other
primary sources of information. The participants were presented the main problems and
needs of study area at the district and provincial meeting room and got the feed back from
these officials.
1.6 Analysis Phase 2
From the data and information gathered during the field study such as Tambon Profile,
district profile, district development guidelines, government policies, existing
project/activities and other primary data, the respective sectoral group analyzed the situation
of the study area for their sectors. Therefore, the problems, needs, potentials and key issues of
the sectors were identified and prioritized.
1.7 Planning Phase
Base on the identified and prioritized sectoral problems and needs, projects were identified.
The result of secondary data analysis, people’s perception, government policies, and
information on existing projects of the district were taken into consideration for the
formulation of new projects.
1.8 Synthesis
Each sectoral group completed a final report of the respective sector. The final report was
compiled and arranged strategically to contain the following chapters:
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Natural Resources and Environment Sectoral Study
Chapter 3 Agriculture Sectoral Study
Chapter 4 Non-agriculture Sectoral Study
17

18. Chapter 5 Infrastructure Sectoral Study
Chapter 6 Social Sectoral Study
Chapter 7 Project Proposals
A workshop is organized in Khok Charoen District to present the outcome of the planning
workshop. The participants were the representatives from the study area: Provincial, District,
and Tambon officers of Khok Charoen District, during the workshop. The respect five groups
presented their sectoral projects. Questions were raised concerning the projects presented and
was courteously and promptly answered by the presenters. Suggestion and comments were
also raised. This final report was prepared incorporation all the comments and suggestions
made.
Problems and Constraints
The workshop was conducted within four months and participants encountered various
personal and professional related concerns. But despite everything, the plan was cohesiveness
of the group was developed. The following were the major problems and constraints
identified:
a) All data and information were collected through PRA or RRA, which
needed extensive discussion with the local community. Local people
speaks Thai language only, which some of the students don’t understand.
Faculty, staff and Thai friends worked very hard to solve the language
problem.
b) Data requirement for a purpose was found different. Some of the required
data were not available for the sectoral planning at sub-district and district
levels.
18

19. Time Frame Major Steps Techniques
- Identification of the Study Area
- Collection of Secondary Data
- Primary Survey on Sample Tambon/
Village
(Pre-workshop period)
- Objective of the Workshop and
Literature Review
• PRA/RRA
- Introduction of the Study Area
Preparatory Phase • Observation
• Group Discussion
(2 weeks) • Discussion with
- Review of Different Plans and
people and Gov’t
Literature
officials
- Conceptual Framework
Field Investigation Phase 1 - Reconnaissance Survey
(Macro and Micro Study Groups)
• PRA/RRA
(3 days)
• Presentation Before the
District and Provincial
Identification of Problems Officials
Analysis Phase 1 • Tambon Council
Meetings
Identification of Data Requirements, Data • Meeting with Sector
(3 weeks)
Sources and Data Gaps Organizations
Field Investigation Phase 2 2
Field Investigation Phase - Field Investigation
- Data/Information Gathering
(6 (6 days)
days) • Structuring of Problems
and Potentials
Analysis Phase 2 - Regional and Sectoral Analysis • Projection/Spatial
Analysis
(4 weeks) • Quantitiative and
Development of Problems Based on Potential Mapping
Planning Phase 2
Finalization of the Planning Report
(3 weeks)
Synthesis - Final Presentation Before the District
and Provincial Officers
(2 weeks) - Discussion and Adjustments
Source: Routray, J.K., (1995)
Figure 1.1: Rural and Regional Planning Workshop Methodology
19

20. CHAPTER II
NATURAL RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENT
2.1 Overview
The part of the study analyzes the state of natural resources and environment (NRE) and
highlights its problem potential, need and constraints. Subsequently it also attempts to
propose important project to address the problems and develop the potentials that will
contribute to overall development of the district by creating opportunities for the well being of
the local people. This sector will broadly cover topography, land, soil, water, forest, minerals
and environment. The relevant policies at all scales are also reviewed and the strategies
adopted by the district and Tambon offices are also reviewed in detail to streamline the
project with programs and policy to enhance their relevance and practical application.Based
on the analysis of the sector, it is observed that the state of environment and natural resources
in the district is not very much satisfactory. The district is not very rich in terms of natural
resources in their present state. Given some natural constrains, the potential however exist in
the area that can be developed for the overall improvement of social, economical and
environmental aspects for long-term and sustainable development of the district.
Each of the above mentioned sectors has some problems and potentials needs and constrains
which sketch the outline for the development planning of the district. The land is available in
the district with relation to population. The per-capita land availability of the district is about
7.5 rai but the most of the land in the district comes under the reserve forest area. The land
distribution is also a major problem. The state of water for some basic needs like drinking and
other domestic usage is satisfactory however the water shortage in dry season coupled by poor
quality of aquifer is the main problem in the area. The water perennial supply of agriculture
water is utmost need of the area and has important implications on the development of the
district. Forests are the most prominent feature of the district in general and Tambon Wong
Thong and Yang Rak in specific and are development potentials of the area. But the
degradation of the forest to considerable extent needs immediate attention. The community
based forestry management practices are already introduced in Tambon Yang Rak and its
results are promising. So community forestry is considered to be a potential that can
substantially applicable in Tambon Wong thong as about 90% of the total area of Tambon
area classified as reserve forest area. In terms of soil quality, the poor soil texture is the main
problem. Due to the lack of compactness in soil structure, the water run-off during the rainy
seasons and flooding causes soil erosion problem. The issues related to soil are on particular
focus of national and provincial level priorities. The land development department has the soil
doctor project with a soil doctor in every village and the demo project on soil conservation
through vitiver gross in Tambon Nong Makha. However the services of scope of these
initiatives are not very much satisfactory. The district level authorities can take initiative to
strengthen these existing services to cope with the serious problem of soil erosion because the
national and provincial policy and program framework is in complete harmony. The issues
corresponding to soil are addressed in proposed general awareness raising project. In the
environmental analysis though the district has got relatively clean environment but the
periodical and ad-hoc based problems like illegal farm burning from sugarcane and emerging
20

21. problems or solid-waste in residential areas are also highlighted for future implication of
environmental conscious planning as a part of sustainable development strategy.
The overall sectoral plan provided by the planning team is not a one-off action plan rather a
flexible cyclic activity. It is neither a recipe that is complete in-itself to ensure the
development of the district nor it is a complete replacement version of the existing planning
methodology in the district. Rather it’s a supplement to the existing planning mechanisms.
District level planning personals can add-remove following the empirical and practical
experience acquired through close interaction with the area. This report represents the sectoral
status of the Natural Resources and Environment and sectoral development plan project
proposals for the Khok Charoen district. The sectoral report covers the following sections:
1. Topography and Climate
2. Soil
3. Land
4. Water
5. Forest
6. Minerals
7. Environmental Issues
8. Relevant Government Policies and Strategies
9. Sectoral Analyses and Its Interrelation of Key Issues
10. Conclusion and recommendations
2.2 Topography and Climate
2.2.1 Geographical Location Area and Topography
Location
District Khok Chaoren is located between North 15o 15 & 15o 30 latitude and East 100o 45 &
101o 0 longitude in the upper central region of Thailand. It is situated at the distance of 80 km
from provincial hall Lopburi and 182 km away from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Positioned in the top of the Lopburi province, it touches Phai Sali District of Nakhron Saman
Province in its North and Si Thep District of Phetchaboon Province in its east, whereas in
south-east and south-west, neighbors two of its siblings: District Sa Bot and District Nong
Muang respectively.
Area and Administration
The district covers an area of 317 km or 198,212 rai in the upper part of Lopburi province. It
is administratively divided into five tambons namely Tambon Khok Charoen (45,573 rai),
Tambon Yang Rak (41,075 rai), Tambon Nang Makha (69,268 rai), Tambon Wong Thong
(15,833 rai) and Tambon Khok Same Sam (26,463 rai) with district Khok Charoen is the
district head quarter.
21

22. Figure 2.1: Percentage Distribution of the Area by Tambon
Tambon Wise Area Distribution Khok Charoen District
Lop Buri Province
8%
23%
13%
Khok Chaoren
Yang Rak
Nang Ma Kha
Khok Samae San
21% Wang Thong
35%
Source: District Administrative organization, Khok Charoen District
Physical Settings/Topography
The district is the part of Pasak river basin which is the important tributary of Chao Pharaya
and Mekong river basins. Various Land features appear in the district ranging from lowland to
upland and highlands. Highland and upland mostly exists in Tambon Yangrak where the
elevation level varies from 80 m to 560 m above mean sea level, with more than 40% of the
land area having a slope gradient of 0-2%, while 4.7% has slope gradient of 40%. However,
some small patches of high and upland are also sparsely scattered in rest of four tambons. The
lowland exists in Tambon Khok Charoen, Tambon Khok Samae San and Tambon Nong
Makha. The per-capita land availability in the district is about 7.5 rai. The main land uses are
agriculture forest and residential. Around 54.5% of the total land in the district comes under
reserve forest are mostly located in Tambon Yang Rak and Tambon Khok Samae San.
22

23. Map2.1: Topographic Map of Khok Charoen District
Source: District Administrative organization, Khok Charoen District
2.2.2 Seasonal Composition, Rainfalls, Temperature and Humidity
Seasonal Composition
The seasonal composition of the district is similar to the general seasonal patterns of the
central region in Thailand with three seasons a year. Generally, the summer rests for three
months, starting from the February to April, which is less hot than the summer of the North or
Northeast of the country due to the influence of the ocean and the trade winds from the ocean
between February and April. The Rainy season rests for six months starting from May to end
of October, when the southwest monsoon winds and depression storms exert their influence,
while the winter retains for more or less three months starting from November to the end of
23

24. January, when the northeast monsoon winds exert their reduced influence and thus is not as
cold as the winter of the district of the North or Northeast region of the country.
Rainfall
Though the available data is not district specific and is representative of the entire jurisdiction
of Lopburi metrological station but data shows that the area has got less precipitation much
lower than Thailand and also significantly lowers than rest of the central region of Thailand in
which it is located with few exceptions in year 1996 and 1999. The average rainfall of the
area comes about 1077 (mm.). There is almost no rain in the area during December to march.
The range of rainy days varies between 77 days to 121 days between the period 1996-2007
with 121 days in 1996 and 77 days in 2004 and 96 days in 2006.
Figure2.2: Rainfall Data Lopburi Figure2.3: No of Rainy Days, Lopburi
Metrological Station (1988-2006)
Total Raining days 1997-2006
140
120 121
100 104 108
93 92 96
88 91 88
80 77
Raining days
60
40
20
0
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Metrological Station (1997-2006)
Source: LopBuri Metrological Station 2007
Temperature and Humidity /climate
The area is tropical hot and humid and has almost constant temperature ranges. The trend for
more than decadal time series data (1997-2007) shows that the average maximum temperature
ranges between 32Co to 35Co whereas the average minimum temperature ranges from 23Co
25Co. The average relative humidity in the area as of the period (1997-2007) ranges from
67% to 73 % with July, August, September and October as most humid months in a year.
This is significantly high in comparison to the universal recommendation of 30%-60% as a
standard for comfort to human beings. Due to high humidity sweating is less effective so
people in the area feel hotter. Please refer annex 1 (2, 3 and 4) for details.
24

25. Figure 2.4: Average Max/Min Figure2.5: Average Humidity, Lopburi
Metrological
Average Max/MinTemperature (1996-2007)
40 Station (1988-2006)
35
Average Humidity 1996-2006
30
25 73
max 72.69
72.44 72.44
20
min 72 71.87
15 71.48
71
10
5 70 70.05 70.14 Average
69.77
0
69
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
68.36
68
67.52
Temperature 67
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Source: LopBuri Metrological Station 2007
2.2.3 Flood, Draught and Storm –Case Study Analysis
Flood
The district has occasional flash floods rounds with the frequency of once in three years and
rests for a maximum period of 10 days, however does not cause significant economic and
human losses. As per qualitative information obtained during the interviews and FGDs the
last flood occurred 3 years ago for 10 days at the month of October. The magnitude was low
however affected 400-4500 rais of sugarcane land however no human and livestock losses are
associated with this phenomenon.
Though no documentation is available in the district regarding the occurrence of floods
however it is observed that in Tambon Nang Makha, flood occurs every year, while in Khok
Samae Sam it occurs once every three years. However no flood occurs in Tambon Yang Rak
and Wang Thong.
Storm
Though minor storms usually occurs the study area but the severity of the phenomena is
Tambon Khok Charoen specific where it causes considerable economic and human loss.
Though the data for frequency and other matters was not readily available in Tambon
however the damages caused by last storm were properly noted down. During the Group
discussion and meetings with Tambon officials it was observed that due to the direction of the
wind in association with the location of the villages the storms have impacts in Khok Charoen
tambons. Based on available data, a case study has been conducted as given below.
25

26. Case Study.1: Storm in Tambon Khok Charoen Tambon
Location: Khok Charoen
Year of Occurrence: 2007
Occurrence Period: December to January of every year
Villages Affected: Village number 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9&12
Household Affected: 59 households
Economic Loss: 178217.38 bhat
Storm is an annual event in Tambon Khok Charoen, so the people of this Tambon are facing
storm problem every year. The time of the storm was from December to January. The storm
of 2007 was massive one and so taken as a case for study in our report. 58 households of 7
villages namely village number 1,2,3,6,8,9,&12 were affected by the storm, and among them
village number 8 was greatly affected in which a total 32 Households out of total 56
households were affected by the storm. In village number 2, 12 household, in village number 12, 1
household, in village number 6, 2 household, in village number 1, 7 household and village number 9,
5 household were affected. In average, 80 households are affected per year from the storm. The
Map 2.2: Villages Affected by Storm in Tambon Khok Charoen
Source: RRDP Workshop, 2008
26

27. 2.3 Soil
2.3.1 Soil Type and Classification
Like other central districts of the country, Khok Charoen consist variety of soil series. The
standard classification of soil in Thailand is based on the standard soil classifications by the
major soils of south Asia by R.Dudal and FR Moornam, the Jour of Trop Geog vol 18 1964.
Following these standards there are 15 major soil series found in the Khok Charoen District
and can be categorized under 6 major groups. About 42% total district soils are classified as
low humic gley soils which makes 42% of total soils of the district followed by red yellow
podozolic soil 20%, hydromorphic, non calcic gely soil 18%, Sedimentary rocks 11.22%,
Alluvial Soils 7% and Redish Brown Lateritic soils 2.5%. The details of each of the soil types
are given in Table 2.1: and percentage distribution of the soil is given in figure 2.1.
Table 2.1: Classification of Major Soils in Khok Charoen District
Classification Soil % of Drainage Permeability Surface pH Slope
of Soil Series it total Run Value
contain district range
Soil
Moderately
6.0 to
Alluvial Soils 1 7% well Moderate Moderate <2
7.0
drained
Hydromorphic, Moderately
25, 25B, 5.5 to
Non Culcic 18% well Moderate Moderate 1-20
31, 55 8.0
Gley Soils drained
16, 28,
28B,
28/47, Somewhat
Low Humic 5.0-
28/54, 42% poorly Moderate Slow 0-2
Gley Soils 8.0
28B/47B, drained
29, 33B,
30
Reddish
Well 4.5 to
Brown 52, 54 2.5% Moderate Rapid 2-16
Drained 6.0
Lateritic Soil
46, 46B,
Red Yellow Well Moderate 4.5-
47, 47B, 20% Moderate 4-16
Podzolic Soil Drained to Rapid 6.0
47C
Sedimentary 62 11.22 Well Moderate Rapid 5.0- 3-16
27

28. Rocks Drained 8.0
Source: Land Development Office, Lopburi Province, 2008
The overall picture of the soil of the district shows that about 33% of the soils are well
drained; about 25% of the soils are moderately well drained while 42% of the soils are
somewhat poorly drained. The permeability of the entire of the district is moderate. The
surface run data shows the patterns in flow of rain water. The map 2.1 shows the area under
each type soil in the district.
When we locate the data on map and compare it with NRD-2C data we can observe that due
to the fact that the considerable part of the low humic gley soils are located at Khok Charoen,
the soil erosion problem is not found in this Tambon because none of the top fertile soil is lost
due to slow surface water run. We can observe that the most of the low humic soils which are
poorly drained are located in Khok Charoen district. Due to slow surface run on these the soil
problem is not appear ant in this Tambon. In the case of Yang Rak the soil erosion is a
problem in the area where the surface run is moderate or rapid. The same observations can
also be calculated from the rest of the three Tambons. As its is oblivious from above analysis
that the areas of the district with high run rate are more prone to the soil erosion problem one
other factor is the lack of vegetations on the soil and land is left barren which cause soil
erosion and top soil loss in the district.
Figure2.6: Percentage distribution of the soil under major groups
Percentage of the Soil under 6 Major Groups
Khok Charoen District Lop Buri Province
11% 7% Alluvial Soil
18% Hydromorphic, Non Calcic Gley
Soil
19% Low Humic Gley Soil
Redish Brown lateritic Soil
2% Red Yellow Podzolic Soils
Sedimentry Rocks
43%
Source: Land Development Office, Lopburi Province, 2008
2.3.2 Soil Quality
No exclusive data set for soil quality exists in the district. However the NRD-2C provides
some indication about the point with reference to village numbers where the soil quality is
shown in the village which can extrapolated to nearby soils with reference to the type of soil
upon which the villages exists. The summary of the NRD-2C data set for indicator No: 27
regarding soil quality is summarized in table 2.2 as given below which provides tambon wise
general picture of the soils in the district.
28

29. Table 2.2: Soil quality with reference to the villages in the district
Name of Tambon No of villages under particular Total Number
category of soil
of villages
Fertile soil Silted/Eroded Gravel,
Sandy
Soil
Soil
Tambon Khok Charoen 12 - - 12
Tambon Yang Rak 5 4 3 12
Tambon N. Makha 7 2 3 12
Tambon Wong Thong 6 - 3 9
Khok Same San 4 1 3 8
Source: National Rural Database-form 2C, 2007
2.3.3 Soil Suitability
Based on the data and general guidelines of the land development office, the soil in the
district Khok Charoen can be categorized into nine groups. The location and topography of
these groups is shown on map 2.2 which has been prepared to depict the overall picture of the
soil suitability in Khok Charoen district. The soil suitability, degree of fertility, limitation and
recommendation regarding the soil are summarized in below given table. It may be
remembered that soil suitability may not be in complete harmony with the actual cropping
patterns adopted by farmers. However, if cropping patterns are somehow managed as per
below given synthesis it shall result in the increasing productivity of the soil.The analysis
recommends for the cultivation of the selected crops on the group areas as shown on the map.
Under this analysis different groups can be suitable for same crop but the conditions for the
suitability vary within groups.
Table 2.3: Soil Suitability analysis of Khok Charoen District with reference to Tambons
29

30. Soil Found in Suitability Fertility Limitation Recommendation
group Tambon
Group − K.C − Paddy Crops Medium Annual Crops − Application
1 − K.S − Annual can be of both chemical
− WT crops/Cash Crops cultivated if and Organic
− YR and Orchards the water is fertilizer
4 /5 Tambons available in
dry season
Group − K.C − Paddy Very Low Sandy Loamy − Application
II − K.S Soil of both chemical
− WT and Organic
− YR fertilizer
− NM − Burring
5/5 Tambons after harvest
should be
discouraged
Group − YR − Paddy on Low Low capacity − Application
III − NM low land and to retain water of both chemical
upland crops on and Organic
high lands fertilizer
2/5 Tambons
Group − K.C − Fruits high Soil Erosion − Application
IV − K.S − Upland Problem at of both chemical
− WT Crops high Slopes and Organic
− YR − Perennials fertilizer
− NM − Vegetables − Topography
with high slopes
should be
covered with
vegetation to
5/5 Tambons avoid soil
erosion
Group − K.S − Upland Low to Soil Erosion − Rotation in
V − WT Crops Medium by water Cropping
− YR − Livestock pattern must be
− NM grazing in low observed
fertile areas − Application
of both chemical
and Organic
fertilizer
− Barren lands
30

31. should be
covered with
vegetation to
avoid soil
erosion
4/5 Tambons
Group − K.S − Upland High Soil Erosion − Application
VI − WT Crops Problem of both chemical
− YR − Livestock and Organic
− NM grazing fertilizer
− High Growth − Should be
Plants covered with
4/5 Tambons − Intercropping vegetation to
avoid soil
erosion
Group − K.S − Unsuitable for Low to High Slopes, − Conserved
VII − WT any cash crop Medium Hilly Patches as forest or
− YR water shed area
− NM
4/5 Tambons
Group − K.C − Upland Crops High Alkaline Soils − Application
VIII − WT − Also Suitable of both chemical
− YR for Chili, Cotton, and Organic
Sugarcane, fertilizer
Sorghum, Maize, − Alkaline
Custard Apple, Resistant
Tamarind Varieties should
be introduced
3/5 Tambons
Group Misalliances group − − −
IX
Map2.3: Soil Type
31

32. Source: RRDP Workshop, 2008
32

33. Map 2.4: Soil Suitability Map, Khok Charoen
33
Source: RRDP Workshop, 2008

34. 2.3.4 Alternative Analysis for Soil Suitability for Major Crops
On the basis of the data from land and development office the alternative analysis has been
done for the different crops in the province. Data shows that for different wide prevailing
crops the suitability varies considerably. For example only about the suitability for rice
cultivation in the soil is low. Only 22% of the total soil is suitable for rice around 5 % of the
total soil is less suitable while rest 73 % is not suitable at all for the cultivation of rice crop.
The same sort of analysis has been made for rice corn sugarcane grapefruits papaya, Banana,
Asparagus, Guava, Mango and Vegetable. The overall analysis is show in figure 2.7.
Figure 2.7: Alternative for Planting in Khok Charoen District
Alternative For Planting in Khok Charoen District
Lopburi Province
100%
Percentage of the the Area
90%
80%
70%
60%
Not Suitable
50% Less Sutable
40%
Suitable
30%
20%
10%
0%
go
t
rn
e
ce
ya
a
e
va
ui
us
an
an
bl
Co
ua
an
Fr
Ri
p
ta
ag
Pa
n
rC
gi
M
pe
G
Ba
gr
Ve
ga
pa
ra
Su
G
As
Name of Crop
Source: Regional Rural Workshop, 2008 (Prepared on the basis of guidelines provided by
Land Development Office, Lopburi Province)
2.3.5 Problems, Constraints, Needs and Potentials
Problems
• Poor quality of soil
• Soil erosion
• Flooding
Constraints
• Mismatch between soil suitability and existing cultivation practices
• Lack of knowledge on soil conservation
Potentials
• Soil suitable for upland crops like sugarcane and cassava
34

35. • Soil doctor project is working at village level where a volunteer at village level provides
technical assistance regarding soil problems
Needs
• Awareness raising among the local people regarding impacts of extensive use of chemical
fertilizer and encourage them on use of bio fertilizer.
• The public involvement in soil reclamation activities and land use planning
• Establishment of local level soil erosion and flood control initiatives
2.4 Land
2.4.1 Broad Land Use Pattern
Broadly, land use pattern has been categorized into 5 types. These consist of human
settlement areas, other human settlement areas located in Pawangploeng-Pamuangkom-
Palamnarai National Reserved Forest, agricultural area, Pawangploeng-Pamuangkom-
Palamnarai National Reserved and land reform areas (in four villages of Tambon
Khoksamaesan). Pa means forest area. It can guide approximate utilization of the land in
Khok Charoen District. Pawangploeng-Pamuangkom-Palamnarai National Reserved Forest
extended over Tambon Yangrak, Tambon Wang Thong, and some parts of Tambon Khok
Charoen and Tambon Nong Makha. Overall, there are 53 human settlements within Khok
Charoen District. Out of these, nineteen settlements or 36 % of total settlements were located
in the degraded reserved forest represented by 12, 6 and 1 communities in Tambon Yangrak,
Tambon Wang Thong and Tambon Nongmakha, respectively. Land reform areas can only be
found in Tambon Khok Samae San. While agricultural areas are widely noticed in Tambon
Khok Charoen, Tambon Khok Samae San and Tambon Nong Makha. And the trend of
settlements will slowly be toward encroaching reserved forest. Please see detail of broad land
use pattern in the map below.
Map 2.5: Land Use Pattern
35

36. 2.4.2 Land Ownership
Khok Charoen District has total area of 198,212 Rais. It has non-national reserved area of
99,314 Rais (50.10 %) of total land area, of which land ownerships registered at 69,049.94
Rais with 8,067 land plots. Title deed holders represented at highest share at 81.95 %,
followed by N.S.3K at 16.49 %, while N.S.3 and Por Bor Tor 5 0combined at 1.54 %. This
implies that there are almost 69 % of people who live on non-national reserved area have land
ownerships whereas the rest 31 % of them did not have any types of land ownership at all.
According to Natural Resources and Environmental Office of Lopburi Province, local people
are upgraded and legally granted certificate of land ownerships from time to time when the
government has the policy to do so.
Average land holding size varies from 2-4 Rais up to 50 Rais per household. There are few
people in almost all Tambons who have large size of hundreds Rais of land. Holding of land
ownerships allow local communities to use as collateral for access to formal credits so that
they can utilize as household investment capital in productive farm and non-farm activities. In
terms of government income from the land, in 2008, Khok Charoen Land District has
generated total revenues amounted at 165,761 Baht from land fee and tax.
36

37. Table 2.4: Types and Number of Land Ownerships in Khok Charoen District
Types Number of Plots Rai %
1.Title deed 7,369 56,588.84 81.95
2.N.S.3K 653 11,392.73 16.49
3.N.S.3 1 28.83 0.04
4.Por Bor Tor 5 44 1,039.54 1.50
Certificate
Total 8,067 69,049.94 100
Source: Khok Charoen District Land Office, 2008
In addition, lack of land tiles is commonly raised. Approximate 50 % and 10 % of total
households in Tambon Wang Thong and Tambon Khok Samae San did not have land titles
respectively. This problem was partly due to communities encroached and now resided on
degraded National Reserved Forest Area. According to data from key informant interviews,
landlessness is also significant problem in Tambon Khok Samae San and Tambon Wang
Thong at about 6 % and 11 %, respectively, while in Tambon Nongmakha the landless
incidence is marginal. This is considered a part of the whole landless scenario in these
Tambons. Some of them have land for settlements but do not have land for cultivation. And
some are totally landless. Their coping strategies have been rented land both for settlements
and cultivation. Yet, actual magnitude of absence of land titles in Khok Charoen District
could doubtedly be higher than this if further investigation is to be conducted at household
level. Therefore, it is equitably necessary for TAO to render possible assistance to this group
of poor people through appropriate initiative so that their social and human securities are
ensured.
2.4.3 Land Reform Activities
At present, land reform was only carried out in Tambon Khok Samae San in order to legally
manage land which was long encroached to National Reserved Forest. A total of 305
households were granted Agricultural Land Reform Certificates (ALRC) with the whole
4,349.59 Rais of reformed land, or accounted for 2.19 % of Khok Charoen District area. After
implementing the project, the average land size was redistributed at 14.26 Rais/household
with the maximum holding size at 50 Rais/household. It was undertaken in 4 villages as
follows:
• Village 4 at 40 households of 604.68 Rais
• Village 5 at 8 households of 106 Rais
• Village 7 at 197 households of 2,785.62 Rais
• Village 8 at 60 households of 751.77 Rais
37

38. Please see detail of already land reform area in the map 2.6
Map 2.6: Land Reformed in Tambon Khok Samae San, Khok Charoen District
Source: RRDP Workshop, 2008
Once households registered for land reform, they will be entitled to a package of government
supports for generating rural livelihoods consisting of agricultural extension and technology
transfer particularly on Sufficiency Economy practices, seedling, skill trainings,
environmental and natural resources management as well as capitalization using ALRC as
collateral to borrow loan from Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).
According to interview with Office of Land Reform of Lopburi Province, the land reform
activities went well in terms of providing greater technical supports for enhancing local
agricultural productivity. In fact, the government has a policy to establish a system governing
land ownership and land zoning that is comprehensive and fair. And land reform is political
issue and national agenda. Therefore, there is so far no clear policy on land reform at
provincial level. Though there are pros and cons (particularly those who have occupied large
area of land plot) existed on essence of land reform in other Tambons, many villagers
38

39. expressed their willingness to join government’s land reform scheme if they are to offer.
Thus, there is potential to intensify land reform undertaking in other areas e.g. Tambon Yang
Rak and perhaps in Tambon Khok Charoen so that equitable redistribution of land could help
increase income through better local livelihoods situation and higher agricultural productivity.
2.4.4 Problems/Constraints, Potentials and Needs
Land resource play crucial role in enhancing livelihoods of local communities. However,
some problems existed need to be overcome in order to realize potentials in meeting the need
of local villagers.
Problems
• Lack of land titles This is due to some communities are settled in degraded National
Reserved Forest for quite long times. So they have the right to cultivate and settle but
the government does not provide any land title.
• Landlessness This is due to rapid population growth in Khok Charoen District
causing some of them and the new settled migrants (2-4 years in migration) have
become landless.
• Misperception on non-commercial value of land reform certificate to use for
borrowing loan from BAAC. Many local villagers misperceived that holding land
reform certificates do not entitle them to access to formal credit. That is why some of
them still feel against land reform provided by government. Many of local villagers
only prefer N.S 3 or N.S.3K or land deeds which are difficult to obtain as by law their
settlements are illegal. So government can not grant any land titles needed
Potentials
• Land reform has been successfully implemented in Tambon Khoksamaesan in
terms of providing technical supports to farmers in to increase agricultural
productivity. It could be expanded to other areas where there is potential to developed
in order to optimize full capacity of the land value.
• Agricultural water supply pipeline project originating from Pasak Cholasit Dam to
serve some districts and terminate at Khok Charoen District opens up a prospect
particularly in Tambon Khok Charoen to tap with this potential in intensifying cash
crops e.g. paddy, sugarcane or cassava.
Needs
• Land titles Local villagers need land titles so that their land ownerships are secure.
In addition, they can use land title as collateral to borrow loans from both BAAC and
other commercial banks.
• Land reform in Tambon Yangrak Local peoples want the government to carry out
land reform activities as they realized its benefits and opportunity to increase
agricultural productivity, gaining technology transfer and technical supports.
39

40. 2.5 Water
2.5.1 Types, Numbers and Capacity of Natural Water Resources
The study area has acute water shortage every year specifically for agriculture usage. The dry
season starts from March to July, while it also suffers from flooding in rainy season
particularly during the months from August to October; however the frequency for flooding is
mostly once every three year period. The drainage network of the district is given as Map 2.7.
Though the area is receiving low precipitation in comparison with the central region and also
country as a whole, however, it has sufficient natural water resources but the scarcity of
reservoirs and weirs for storage of water is the main problem causing extreme situation of
dryness and flooding in peak seasons. The detail of the some of natural water sources is given
in Table 2.5.
The water from aquifer is not suitable for drinking in all Tambons except some pockets of
potable waters exists in Nong Makha sub district. Generally the underground water contains
high amount of limestone and other heavy nutrients which make it unsuitable for drinking
purposes. As a result heavy reliance on rainwater is the only available option for potable
water. The water scarcity in dry season also substantially affects the agricultural productivity
in all Tambons but the degree of scarcity varies among all Tambons. The over all picture of
the status of water for above mentioned usages is given in the Table 2.5.
Table 2.5: Details of the Natural Sources of Water in Khok Charoen District
Pond Reservoir Weir Stream
No. Cap. No Cap. No Cap. No. Cap.
. .
Tambon Name (M3) (M3) (M3) (M3)
Khok Charoen 17 80,000 3 57,880 4 24,000 14 335,750
Yang Rak 22 105,000 3 300,000 15 72,000 19 360,000
Nong Makha 12 120,000 0 0 2 32,550 2 32,000
Wang Thong 19 307,200 3 2,640,000 14 492,000 14 492,000
Khok Samae San 3 44,800 1 128000 1 3,500
Source: Irrigation Office, 2007
40

41. Map 2.7: Drainage Map Showing Water Bodies
Source: RRDP Workshop, 2008
2.5.2 Water Availability for different Water Uses
Potable Water
As earlier said, the rain is the primary source of potable water in the district. Local people
have indigenous knowledge to collect and store the water in rainy season and use it in dry
season when water scarcity is on its peak. Mostly the water collected in rainy season is not
sufficient for the entire dry season. In the case of shortage the villages receive the water
supply from district water supply Authority through respective TAO. However the drinking
water is relatively not a major problem in the district. The state of drinking water in all
Tambons is shown in below given figure 2.8.
41

42. Figure2.8: Villages with Access to Clean Drinking Water
Tambon wise status of villages with Access to Clean
Drinking Water, Khok Charoen District Lopburi
Province
6
11 11 8
12
0 2
1 1 1
0 0 0 0
Tambon Khok Tambon Yang Tambon Nong Tambon Wong Tambon Khok
Charoen Rak Makha Thong Samesan
Clean Drinking water < 63 % Clean Drinking water > 63 but < or 90
Clean Drinking water > 95%
Source: National Rural Database, 2007
Water for Domestic Usage
The availability of water for domestic usages other than drinking is also satisfactory in almost
all Tambons and also relatively better than the state of potable water in the district. The
village specific data shows that the need for domestic use water is also fulfilled. People
relying on village water supply scheme for fulfilling the need for domestic usage. The state of
domestic water in all Tambons is shown in figure 2.9.
Figure 2.9: Villages with Access to Clean Drinking Water for Domestic Uses
Tambon wise status of Villages with Access to Water for
Domestic usage, Khok Charoen District Lop Buri
Province
11
12 12 9 8
0
1
0 0 0 0
Tambon Khok Tambon Yang Tambon W ong Tambon Nong Tambon Khok
Charoen Rak Thong Makha Sames an
< 63 % > 63 but < or 90 > 95%
Source: National Rural Database, 2007
Water for Agriculture
The dry season in the district considerably affects the availability of water for agriculture
sector. Due to the scarcity of the water in dry season, the full potential of soil always remains
under utilized. It has negative impacts first on the local economy and subsequently on the
regional and national economy. The state of agriculture water in different tambons is shown
in figure 2.10:
42

43. Figure 2.10: Villages with Access to Water for Agricultural Purposes
Tambon wise status of villages for Access to Agriculture
Water, Khok Charoen District Lop Buri Province
0 0
2 1
3 2
4 2 0
1
8 3
7 6
7
3
2
1
0
Tambon Khok Tambon Yang Tambon Nong Tambon Wong Tambon Khok
Charoen Rak Makha Thong Samesan
Sufficient sufficient in rainy season Not sufficient for practicing cultivation DNA
Source: National Rural Database, 2007
The water scarcity and shortage in dry season considerably affects agro-economy in all
tambons in terms of damage to the crops cultivated. In Tambon Khok Charoen suffers
relatively high, since the Tambon is the most active in agricultural activities. The crops
having high adverse effects due to shortage of water are cassava where as sugarcane also
suffers due to water shortage but the severity is low due to its high water resistant capacity.
In order to address the issue of scarcity of water for agriculture sector the government is
working on the irrigation project on Pasak River through department of agriculture at regional
level. All Tambons of the district are likely to be benefited from this project. It is expected
that this project will start providing the services to the area by the end of 2008.
2.5.3 Problems, Constraints, Needs, Potential
Problems
• Water scarcity in all tambons in dry season
• Poor quality of underground water
Potential:
• The topography ranging from high to low areas provide a cost effective way to build small
scale check dams at various medium high slopes and thereafter distribute it through
graduate flow
2.6 Forest
2.6.1 Forest Area, Boundary and Encroachment
According to Provincial Natural Resource and Environment Office, Pawangploeng-
Pamuangkom-Palamnarai National Reserved Forest covers 447,081.25 Rais of land crossing 4
districts namely Chaibadal, Sabot, Khoksamrong and Khokcharoen. Khok Charoen District
alone shares a portion of 98,898 Rais of forest area or 49.90 % of total district area. This
forest area was encroached by peoples for agricultural cultivation and other purposes at
58,081 Rais or 49.30 % of total forest area, according to data as of 1991. Out of this, 16,922
43