GEODIVERSITY AND GEOCONSERVATION OF THE CHAIYAPHUM REGION IN THAILAND FOR SUSTAINABLE GEOTOURISM PLANNING

Chaiyaphum region in the westernmost edge of Khorat Plateau is the most famous natural land of northeastern Thailand.There are many spectacular landforms such as cliffs, pillar or pedestal rocks, and cascades.The selected geosites are located in Pa Hin Ngam, Sai Thong, Tat Ton and Phu Laen Kha National Parks and are covered by the Jurassic-Cretaceous (50-100 Ma) clastic sedimentary rocks of the Phra Wihan Formation, Khorat group.Based on geodiversity, scope and their values (scientific, tourism, natural, and aesthetic values) which are analyzed from field investigation data suggest this area is a highly valuable part for geotourism development.Promoting geotourism will help tourists understand the geological processes and realize the importance of the geomorphological heritage conservation.This research is the first step of geotourism announcement of the studied area, which is a powerful tool for sustainable economic and scientific development at both local and national scale.