Critical factors affecting the desertification in Pa Deng, adjoining area of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

The aim of this study is to discuss and analyze key factors that affect the desertification in Pa Deng Sub-district, Thailand, in order to assess the desertification risk of the sites. The MEDALUS Model was used to conduct the desertification risk assessment. The spatial analysis study was done with Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) programs. The key factors that had an impact on the desertification in Pa Deng area are climatic factor, soil factors (soil texture, fertility and erosion) and human activity factor (land use). The results revealed that the majority of the plain area in Pa Deng was at moderate desertification risk. The critical factor that increased the risk of decertification was soil erosion.