People’s Utilization Toward Green Area Services of Metro Forest Learning Center, Prawet District, Bangkok

Abstract

            This research aimed to examine the basic economic and social characteristics of visitors using the green space of the Forest Learning Center in the City (Pa Nai Krung Learning Center), Prawet District, Bangkok; to investigate the level of public satisfaction with the use of the green space; and to identify factors influencing satisfaction among users of the green space at the Forest Learning Center in the City, Prawet District, Bangkok. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 377 respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, maximum, minimum, and t-test and F-test statistics, at a statistical significance level of 0.05.

              The results indicated that the majority of respondents were female (56.0%), with an average age of 25 years. Most respondents were single (64.7%), held a bachelor’s degree as their highest level of education (67.9%), and were employed in the private sector (48.8%). The majority reported a monthly income between 15,001 and 25,000 baht (35.8%). The primary purpose for visiting the green space was to enjoy nature (57.6%), and most respondents used the green space once per month (87.0%). Overall satisfaction with the use of the green space at the Forest Learning Center in the City, Prawet District, Bangkok was at a high level, with a mean score of 3.96. Satisfaction was assessed across five dimensions: 1) green space services, which were rated at a high level (mean = 4.07);          2) spatial management design, rated at a high level (mean = 4.06); 3) plant species (trees), rated at a high level (mean = 4.14); 4) facilities and services, rated at a high level (mean = 3.48); and 5) the quality of the learning resources provided for the public, university students, and school students, rated at a high level (mean = 4.03). Factors influencing satisfaction with the use of the green space at the Forest Learning Center in the City, Prawet District, Bangkok included age, highest level of education, primary occupation, monthly personal income, and the main purpose of visiting the green space.