Indirect Valuation of Khao-Luang Forest Area: The CVM Approach

This research aims to investigate the indirect values of the forest, which are transformed to rubber plantation and agricultural crops. These have the negative effects to the environment. The study used Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to explore and estimate the indirect values of the ?Kao Lhong Forest? such as the mineral in soil, the water absorption, CO2 absorption, the protection of storm and the temperature control. The questionnaires and in-dept interview techniques are applied in order to directly collect the data from the 380 local people in landslide area at Kao Lhong Forest.The research found that the local people are focusing on the indirect values, which have the effects on the community at the medium level. Good climate conditions is the most important element. Its value is averagely 3.29. Second important element is that Kao Lhong Forest prevent storms, which its value is 3.10. Lastly, the least average value of the important elements is water origin and soil absorb which is 2.84. Only 168 respondents willing to pay for the indirect benefits, which is averagely 77.63 baht per month. This study found that the maximum willingness to pay is for good soil quality (Conserve Nutrition) which is 20.68 baht per month. Additionally, the minimum willingness to pay is for the absorbing of Carbon Dioxide, which the value is 13.64 baht per month.