Border economic zones and development dynamics in Thailand : a comparative study of bordering countries

Author: Choen Krainara

AIT Library Call Number: AIT Diss. no.RD-16-04

Year: 2016

Academic Program: Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)

Type: Thesis (Ph. D.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2016

Examination Committee: Jayant Kumar Routray (Chairperson); Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, Winai Wongsurawat (Examination Committee Members)

Abstract: Economic interdependence between Thailand and the surrounding less developed countries has increasingly become much closer since the last few decades. Yet, considerable development gaps seem to be wideningcausing persistently “asymmetric relations”. Since 2003, Thailand has planned to promote integrated development of border economic zones (BEZs) with bordering countries. The aim of this study is to assess the locational advantages, economic and social linkages and development potential of 3 strategic cross-border regions along the GMS economic corridors. The study areas included (1) Aranyaprathet district in Sakaeo province bordering with O‟Chrov district in Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia (2) Muang Mukdahan district in Mukdahan province bordering with Kaysone Phomvihane district of Savannakhet province in Lao PDR and (3) Maesod district in Tak province bordering with Myawaddy district in Kayin state of Myanmar.The study is primarily a quantitative research design supplemented by a qualitative research design. The study found thatdevelopment of BEZs in Thailand is intermittent and currently moving forward due to enabling policies. Fostered by both geographical adjacency of structural differences and the contributing factors, the pattern of local and regional cross-border trade, as well as cross-border transit trade have shown a rising trend. Macro cross-border trade with Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Myanmar during 2008-2013 has reached significant level sharing average of 30.77 % to intra-ASEAN trade.Most of the cross-border trader and wholesaler respondents across the regions are family-based businesses and mainly being SMEs. Thai goods are widely accepted among bordering countries. However, cross-border traded goods are mainly produced in Bangkok metropolis and its vicinity such as the easte

Scholarship Donor(s): Royal Thai Government, Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship

Note: A dissertation submitted inpartial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Regional and Rural Development Planning

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Search keywords index: Choen Krainara Border economic zones and development dynamics in Thailand : a comparative study of bordering countries Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP) Borderlands — Economic conditions — Thailand;”Border crossing — Thailand”;