Cross-Border Trade between Thailand and Neighboring Countries; Cross-Border Trade in the Greater Mekong Sub-region; Special Border Economic Zones in Thailand; การค้าชายแดนระหว่างประเทศไทยกับประเทศเพื่อนบ้าน;เขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษชายแดนเชื่อมโยงระหว่างประเทศไทยกับประเทศเพื่อนบ้าน
Special Study on Cross Border Trade and Commerce in Thailand : Policy Implica...Dr.Choen Krainara
This document analyzes cross-border trade and commerce in Thailand and the implications for establishing special border economic zones. It finds that Thailand has robust cross-border trade relations with neighboring countries, mainly exporting consumer, intermediate and capital goods and importing primary products. While cross-border trade has grown, it has led to regional development impacts. The document identifies 8 potential locations for special economic zones linking Thailand with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia to bridge intra-regional disparities and international development gaps. Establishing such zones would need to consider political, economic, social, infrastructure, environmental and institutional factors.
Border Economic Zones and Development Dynamics in Thailand: A Comparative Stu...Dr.Choen Krainara
Special border economic zones in Thailand and the Greater Mekong Sub-region; Cross-border cooperation in the Greater Mekong Sub-region การพัฒนาเขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษในประเทศไทยเชื่อมโยงกับประเทศเพื่อนบ้าน การพัฒนาเขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษในอนุภูมิภาคลุ่มน้ำโขง
Mr Ahmad Shah Mobariz in Parallel Session B3 of Ninth South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) organised by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on 15-16 October 2016 presented on "Fostering Connectivity and Economic Integration in South Asia: Role of Private Sector". #SAES9 For further details visit: http://saes9.cpd.org.bd/
Conventional explanatory variables and bilateral trade for African countries ...Omegal Mahabeer
The document summarizes the structure and key points of a presentation on conventional explanatory variables and bilateral trade for African countries from 2000 to 2005. The presentation includes an introduction discussing the topic and research question. It reviews literature on factors that influence bilateral trade, including common language, GDP, and religious diversity. The methodology section outlines the regression analysis of explanatory variables against bilateral trade data for 20 African countries in 2000 and 2005. The results section analyzes trends, country profiles, and regression outputs. Finally, the conclusion discusses the impact of variables like GDP, population, and religious diversity on bilateral trade and the overall conclusion.
The paper examines the economic implications of Belarus' participation in the newly created EURASEC Customs Union. The results of the calculations show that after the introduction of a common external tariff (CET) the level of tariff protection in Belarus has not increased noticeably. The reduction in the volume of imports from non-CIS countries equal to USD 1.1 bn (8% of Belarusian non-CIS import in 2008) will be mainly brought about by cancellation of used cars imports from non-member countries. The analyses revealed that Belarusian budget can benefit from participation in the Customs Union (CU). The amount of possible gain will be about 28.3% of total budget revenues from customs duties and customs charges in 2008 due to the fact that approximately 40% of Russian imports may go through customs clearance in Belarus owning to less bureaucracy at the border with respect to Russia, and the revenues from customs charges, which is not planned to be distributed among member countries, will be transferred to Belarusian budget. However, it is unlikely that CU membership will increase foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow to Belarus, since in the case of South-South regional trade agreements (the type of EURASEC countries CU) FDI usually goes to the bigger country, i.e. to the bigger market. Therefore, most probably that in the regional arrangement in question Russia followed by Kazakhstan will be the main beneficiaries of foreign direct investments.
Authored by: Irina Tochitskaya
Published in 2010
In September 2013, China proposed the strategy of “One Belt, One Road” for the first time. According to this
context, a comprehensive analysis of the import and export commodities between Shaanxi Province and the Belt and
Road countries was carried out. The analysis found that mechanical and electrical products of Shaanxi Province took
up the largest volume of trade,which had a rapid growth, was followed by light industry and medicine and other
products with stable growth. Shaanxi Province, with coutries along “one belt one road”, shared a relatively high
trade volume of agricultural products, mechanical and electrical products, mineral products and light industrial and
pharmaceutical products, compared to the small one of software and cultural products.
Governance, Capture and Corruption: Evidence and Solutions for a Changed WorldUCLGlobalGovernance
On 5 March, the UCL Global Governance Institute hosted Dr Daniel Kaufmann, president and CEO of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, for a talk on ‘Governance, Capture and Corruption: Evidence and Solutions for a Changed World’.
Defining Dialogue: How to Manage Russia-UK Security RelationsRussian Council
At present, Russian-British relations are in deep crisis.
Will countries be able to restore a regular and systematic dialogue at the highest level?
What are the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Britain in the sphere of security, combating international terrorism and countering extremism, including in the Greater Middle East?
What mechanisms need to be worked out to strengthen confidence-building measures, prevent radicalization and develop cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
These and other issues related to the past, present and future of Russian-British security relations are discussed in the joint report of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI).
Special Study on Cross Border Trade and Commerce in Thailand : Policy Implica...Dr.Choen Krainara
This document analyzes cross-border trade and commerce in Thailand and the implications for establishing special border economic zones. It finds that Thailand has robust cross-border trade relations with neighboring countries, mainly exporting consumer, intermediate and capital goods and importing primary products. While cross-border trade has grown, it has led to regional development impacts. The document identifies 8 potential locations for special economic zones linking Thailand with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia to bridge intra-regional disparities and international development gaps. Establishing such zones would need to consider political, economic, social, infrastructure, environmental and institutional factors.
Border Economic Zones and Development Dynamics in Thailand: A Comparative Stu...Dr.Choen Krainara
Special border economic zones in Thailand and the Greater Mekong Sub-region; Cross-border cooperation in the Greater Mekong Sub-region การพัฒนาเขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษในประเทศไทยเชื่อมโยงกับประเทศเพื่อนบ้าน การพัฒนาเขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษในอนุภูมิภาคลุ่มน้ำโขง
Mr Ahmad Shah Mobariz in Parallel Session B3 of Ninth South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) organised by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on 15-16 October 2016 presented on "Fostering Connectivity and Economic Integration in South Asia: Role of Private Sector". #SAES9 For further details visit: http://saes9.cpd.org.bd/
Conventional explanatory variables and bilateral trade for African countries ...Omegal Mahabeer
The document summarizes the structure and key points of a presentation on conventional explanatory variables and bilateral trade for African countries from 2000 to 2005. The presentation includes an introduction discussing the topic and research question. It reviews literature on factors that influence bilateral trade, including common language, GDP, and religious diversity. The methodology section outlines the regression analysis of explanatory variables against bilateral trade data for 20 African countries in 2000 and 2005. The results section analyzes trends, country profiles, and regression outputs. Finally, the conclusion discusses the impact of variables like GDP, population, and religious diversity on bilateral trade and the overall conclusion.
The paper examines the economic implications of Belarus' participation in the newly created EURASEC Customs Union. The results of the calculations show that after the introduction of a common external tariff (CET) the level of tariff protection in Belarus has not increased noticeably. The reduction in the volume of imports from non-CIS countries equal to USD 1.1 bn (8% of Belarusian non-CIS import in 2008) will be mainly brought about by cancellation of used cars imports from non-member countries. The analyses revealed that Belarusian budget can benefit from participation in the Customs Union (CU). The amount of possible gain will be about 28.3% of total budget revenues from customs duties and customs charges in 2008 due to the fact that approximately 40% of Russian imports may go through customs clearance in Belarus owning to less bureaucracy at the border with respect to Russia, and the revenues from customs charges, which is not planned to be distributed among member countries, will be transferred to Belarusian budget. However, it is unlikely that CU membership will increase foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow to Belarus, since in the case of South-South regional trade agreements (the type of EURASEC countries CU) FDI usually goes to the bigger country, i.e. to the bigger market. Therefore, most probably that in the regional arrangement in question Russia followed by Kazakhstan will be the main beneficiaries of foreign direct investments.
Authored by: Irina Tochitskaya
Published in 2010
In September 2013, China proposed the strategy of “One Belt, One Road” for the first time. According to this
context, a comprehensive analysis of the import and export commodities between Shaanxi Province and the Belt and
Road countries was carried out. The analysis found that mechanical and electrical products of Shaanxi Province took
up the largest volume of trade,which had a rapid growth, was followed by light industry and medicine and other
products with stable growth. Shaanxi Province, with coutries along “one belt one road”, shared a relatively high
trade volume of agricultural products, mechanical and electrical products, mineral products and light industrial and
pharmaceutical products, compared to the small one of software and cultural products.
Governance, Capture and Corruption: Evidence and Solutions for a Changed WorldUCLGlobalGovernance
On 5 March, the UCL Global Governance Institute hosted Dr Daniel Kaufmann, president and CEO of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, for a talk on ‘Governance, Capture and Corruption: Evidence and Solutions for a Changed World’.
Defining Dialogue: How to Manage Russia-UK Security RelationsRussian Council
At present, Russian-British relations are in deep crisis.
Will countries be able to restore a regular and systematic dialogue at the highest level?
What are the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Britain in the sphere of security, combating international terrorism and countering extremism, including in the Greater Middle East?
What mechanisms need to be worked out to strengthen confidence-building measures, prevent radicalization and develop cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
These and other issues related to the past, present and future of Russian-British security relations are discussed in the joint report of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI).
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The document provides troubleshooting tips for accessing content that includes SAP BI 7 and BusinessObjects certifications. It advises checking that the latest Adobe Flash Player is installed, enabling and trusting the content, and using the slide show view for ppt versions by pressing F5.
Orchid Nirvana is a plotted development located on IVC Road in Devanahalli, Bangalore offering plots starting at 3,015,753 BSP. The development will include amenities such as a gymnasium, swimming pool, health club, party hall, and playground. More details on the development located at http://www.ft2acres.com/property/orchid-nirvana-devanahalli-bangalore/.
Thailand is well-suited to serve as ASEAN's logistics hub due to its central location bordering many Southeast Asian countries and access to ports and waterways. Thailand currently ranks highly in logistics performance and is making large infrastructure investments to further improve transportation networks. The government has implemented policies and development plans focused on enhancing Thailand's competitiveness in logistics and transforming its infrastructure into world-class systems.
Return on Focus is a pharmaceutical marketing company, that has developed a unique Evidence-Based Marketing approach that allows us to formulate the optimal pharmaceutical marketing strategy for your brand. We use this philosophy every day to help our clients make more informed strategic and investment decisions that drive improved return.
Los primeros seres humanos llegaron a Europa hace un millón de años durante el Paleolítico y se caracterizaron por cazar, pescar, recolectar y utilizar herramientas siendo nómadas; el Neolítico comenzó con la agricultura y la ganadería y trajo consigo el sedentarismo y el desarrollo de megalitos y tecnología; la Edad de los Metales surgió alrededor del 3500 a.C. con el uso primero del cobre y luego del bronce y el hierro en las herramientas.
Este documento presenta una red social creada para proveer información a estudiantes interesados en estudiar en Argentina. La red busca servir como herramienta de ayuda para estudiantes al proveer información sobre educación, turismo, entretenimiento, alojamiento y cultura. Según la investigación de mercado, hay aproximadamente 1.5 millones de estudiantes en Argentina, de los cuales unos 3,000 son estudiantes internacionales. El presupuesto estimado de gastos por semestre para un estudiante internacional en Buenos Aires es de $10,000 pesos.
Policy Mechanism for Developing Special Border Economic Zones in ThailandDr.Choen Krainara
1) The document discusses the development of special border economic zones in Thailand to help bridge economic gaps with less developed neighboring countries and promote regional development.
2) It analyzes the policies influencing border economic zone development and seeks to identify policy gaps to further catalyze the process.
3) Special border economic zones are seen as a way to distribute economic growth to less developed border regions in Thailand, share benefits with neighboring countries, and strengthen regional integration in Southeast Asia.
The document discusses Thailand's ranking in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report. Thailand improved its ranking to 26th in 2015. It remains third among ASEAN countries for its business friendly environment. The report measures how close countries' business regulations are to best practices. Thailand improved in construction permits and maintained strong rankings in getting electricity, registering property, and enforcing contracts. The BOI continues to promote Thailand's business environment and service industry.
Cross-Border Trade and Commerce in Thailand: Policy Implications for Establis...Dr.Choen Krainara
This document is a doctoral dissertation that examines cross-border trade and commerce between Thailand and its neighboring countries, and the implications for establishing special border economic zones. It provides an overview of Thailand's geographical links, transport networks, trade agreements and policies with neighboring countries. The dissertation analyzes cross-border trade data and identifies disparities within Thailand that special economic zones could help address. It concludes by outlining policy considerations and recommendations for developing special border economic zones to link Thailand and its neighbors.
This document compares the national strategic plans of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and China. It finds that both countries aim to promote domestic economic development and improve competitiveness of domestic businesses through their strategic plans. Thailand's plan focuses on tapping economic potential and improving trade relations with neighboring countries. China's One Belt One Road initiative aims to boost connectivity and cooperation between China and other countries along the route to mutually benefit economic development. The strategies of both countries emphasize improving trade and welcoming foreign investment.
A Comparative Study of the National Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Commerc...IJSRED
This document compares the national strategic plans of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and China. It finds that both countries aim to promote domestic economic development and trade, with Thailand focusing on improving competitiveness of SMEs and reducing taxes, while China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to stimulate development through infrastructure investment across many countries. The strategies show consistency in views around supporting trade and investment.
On 16 October 2013, the programme “Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration (RCI) in Asia” of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) convened a workshop on “Social Implications of Economic Integration: Managing Cross-Border Labour Migration on a Regional Scale” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The workshop aimed to address the demand for capacity development and deepened dialogue between relevant line ministries and key stakeholders engaged in labour migration related issues in Cambodia. This report summarises the purpose, main themes and results of this event.
The document discusses Thailand's growing role as a key logistics hub in ASEAN. It notes that Thailand has extensive multimodal transport networks and its central location has made it a manufacturing powerhouse able to meet rising regional demand for cross-border logistics. The development of economic corridors and emphasis on infrastructure is improving connectivity. The Thai government supports expanding Thailand's logistics systems through incentives and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity aims to further regional transport facilitation. Thailand's strategic location and efforts to decrease logistics costs position it to emerge as a major ASEAN logistics center.
The document provides an overview of Japan's development cooperation policy and aid provision in Laos. Some key points:
- Japan's aid to Laos is guided by a Country Assistance Program which aligns with Laos' development plans and priorities. Key objectives are achieving MDGs, economic growth, and capacity development.
- Priority sectors for aid include education, health, rural development, infrastructure, private sector development, and institutional capacity building.
- Aid is provided through loans, grants, and technical cooperation managed by JICA Laos office. Infrastructure loans support economic growth while grants and technical cooperation focus on capacity development.
- Projects are formulated based on consultations with Lao government and bottom-up approach
Strategically located at the heart of Asia, Thailand aptly serves investors as a dynamic gateway to a fast growing economic market. Our growing economy, world-class infrastructure, competitive human capital and strong government support, are responsible for our key position as one of the most attractive investment destinations for foreign investors.
This document profiles the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh. It describes Chittagong as the second largest city in Bangladesh and the country's major economic hub, driven by its strategic port location. While Chittagong has experienced rapid economic growth through industries like apparel manufacturing and ship breaking, it also faces serious infrastructure and environmental challenges due to high population growth and poor planning. About a third of Chittagong's population lives in slums. The document aims to analyze Chittagong's historical development, current socioeconomic conditions, and the infrastructure and environmental issues it faces.
This document provides an introduction to smart cities, beginning with definitions of a smart city from various organizations that focus on using technology and data to enhance sustainability, livability, workability and citizen well-being. It explains that every city's definition of a smart city will be unique based on its priorities, assets and partners. The document then discusses some of the key global drivers for cities pursuing smart city initiatives, such as rapid urbanization, climate change impacts, aging infrastructure and a desire for improved quality of life. It emphasizes that building smart cities is an ongoing process that requires constant updates, and that most projects occur at the neighborhood or district level rather than the entire city scale.
The document discusses Thailand's transportation and logistics sector. It notes that Thailand has committed $25.2 billion to infrastructure projects including airport, seaport, rail, and road upgrades. Major plans include developing U-Tapao airport and upgrading seaports. The investments aim to improve national and cross-border connectivity. The expanding sector creates opportunities for investment in transportation, logistics, and related industries. Public-private partnerships are driving expansion of urban connectivity projects. The BOI provides incentives for foreign investment in transportation and logistics development projects.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The document provides troubleshooting tips for accessing content that includes SAP BI 7 and BusinessObjects certifications. It advises checking that the latest Adobe Flash Player is installed, enabling and trusting the content, and using the slide show view for ppt versions by pressing F5.
Orchid Nirvana is a plotted development located on IVC Road in Devanahalli, Bangalore offering plots starting at 3,015,753 BSP. The development will include amenities such as a gymnasium, swimming pool, health club, party hall, and playground. More details on the development located at http://www.ft2acres.com/property/orchid-nirvana-devanahalli-bangalore/.
Thailand is well-suited to serve as ASEAN's logistics hub due to its central location bordering many Southeast Asian countries and access to ports and waterways. Thailand currently ranks highly in logistics performance and is making large infrastructure investments to further improve transportation networks. The government has implemented policies and development plans focused on enhancing Thailand's competitiveness in logistics and transforming its infrastructure into world-class systems.
Return on Focus is a pharmaceutical marketing company, that has developed a unique Evidence-Based Marketing approach that allows us to formulate the optimal pharmaceutical marketing strategy for your brand. We use this philosophy every day to help our clients make more informed strategic and investment decisions that drive improved return.
Los primeros seres humanos llegaron a Europa hace un millón de años durante el Paleolítico y se caracterizaron por cazar, pescar, recolectar y utilizar herramientas siendo nómadas; el Neolítico comenzó con la agricultura y la ganadería y trajo consigo el sedentarismo y el desarrollo de megalitos y tecnología; la Edad de los Metales surgió alrededor del 3500 a.C. con el uso primero del cobre y luego del bronce y el hierro en las herramientas.
Este documento presenta una red social creada para proveer información a estudiantes interesados en estudiar en Argentina. La red busca servir como herramienta de ayuda para estudiantes al proveer información sobre educación, turismo, entretenimiento, alojamiento y cultura. Según la investigación de mercado, hay aproximadamente 1.5 millones de estudiantes en Argentina, de los cuales unos 3,000 son estudiantes internacionales. El presupuesto estimado de gastos por semestre para un estudiante internacional en Buenos Aires es de $10,000 pesos.
Similar to Cross-Border Trades and Commerce between Thailand and Neighboring Countries: Policy Implications for Establishing Special Border Economic Zones
Policy Mechanism for Developing Special Border Economic Zones in ThailandDr.Choen Krainara
1) The document discusses the development of special border economic zones in Thailand to help bridge economic gaps with less developed neighboring countries and promote regional development.
2) It analyzes the policies influencing border economic zone development and seeks to identify policy gaps to further catalyze the process.
3) Special border economic zones are seen as a way to distribute economic growth to less developed border regions in Thailand, share benefits with neighboring countries, and strengthen regional integration in Southeast Asia.
The document discusses Thailand's ranking in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report. Thailand improved its ranking to 26th in 2015. It remains third among ASEAN countries for its business friendly environment. The report measures how close countries' business regulations are to best practices. Thailand improved in construction permits and maintained strong rankings in getting electricity, registering property, and enforcing contracts. The BOI continues to promote Thailand's business environment and service industry.
Cross-Border Trade and Commerce in Thailand: Policy Implications for Establis...Dr.Choen Krainara
This document is a doctoral dissertation that examines cross-border trade and commerce between Thailand and its neighboring countries, and the implications for establishing special border economic zones. It provides an overview of Thailand's geographical links, transport networks, trade agreements and policies with neighboring countries. The dissertation analyzes cross-border trade data and identifies disparities within Thailand that special economic zones could help address. It concludes by outlining policy considerations and recommendations for developing special border economic zones to link Thailand and its neighbors.
This document compares the national strategic plans of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and China. It finds that both countries aim to promote domestic economic development and improve competitiveness of domestic businesses through their strategic plans. Thailand's plan focuses on tapping economic potential and improving trade relations with neighboring countries. China's One Belt One Road initiative aims to boost connectivity and cooperation between China and other countries along the route to mutually benefit economic development. The strategies of both countries emphasize improving trade and welcoming foreign investment.
A Comparative Study of the National Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Commerc...IJSRED
This document compares the national strategic plans of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and China. It finds that both countries aim to promote domestic economic development and trade, with Thailand focusing on improving competitiveness of SMEs and reducing taxes, while China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to stimulate development through infrastructure investment across many countries. The strategies show consistency in views around supporting trade and investment.
On 16 October 2013, the programme “Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration (RCI) in Asia” of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) convened a workshop on “Social Implications of Economic Integration: Managing Cross-Border Labour Migration on a Regional Scale” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The workshop aimed to address the demand for capacity development and deepened dialogue between relevant line ministries and key stakeholders engaged in labour migration related issues in Cambodia. This report summarises the purpose, main themes and results of this event.
The document discusses Thailand's growing role as a key logistics hub in ASEAN. It notes that Thailand has extensive multimodal transport networks and its central location has made it a manufacturing powerhouse able to meet rising regional demand for cross-border logistics. The development of economic corridors and emphasis on infrastructure is improving connectivity. The Thai government supports expanding Thailand's logistics systems through incentives and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity aims to further regional transport facilitation. Thailand's strategic location and efforts to decrease logistics costs position it to emerge as a major ASEAN logistics center.
The document provides an overview of Japan's development cooperation policy and aid provision in Laos. Some key points:
- Japan's aid to Laos is guided by a Country Assistance Program which aligns with Laos' development plans and priorities. Key objectives are achieving MDGs, economic growth, and capacity development.
- Priority sectors for aid include education, health, rural development, infrastructure, private sector development, and institutional capacity building.
- Aid is provided through loans, grants, and technical cooperation managed by JICA Laos office. Infrastructure loans support economic growth while grants and technical cooperation focus on capacity development.
- Projects are formulated based on consultations with Lao government and bottom-up approach
Strategically located at the heart of Asia, Thailand aptly serves investors as a dynamic gateway to a fast growing economic market. Our growing economy, world-class infrastructure, competitive human capital and strong government support, are responsible for our key position as one of the most attractive investment destinations for foreign investors.
This document profiles the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh. It describes Chittagong as the second largest city in Bangladesh and the country's major economic hub, driven by its strategic port location. While Chittagong has experienced rapid economic growth through industries like apparel manufacturing and ship breaking, it also faces serious infrastructure and environmental challenges due to high population growth and poor planning. About a third of Chittagong's population lives in slums. The document aims to analyze Chittagong's historical development, current socioeconomic conditions, and the infrastructure and environmental issues it faces.
This document provides an introduction to smart cities, beginning with definitions of a smart city from various organizations that focus on using technology and data to enhance sustainability, livability, workability and citizen well-being. It explains that every city's definition of a smart city will be unique based on its priorities, assets and partners. The document then discusses some of the key global drivers for cities pursuing smart city initiatives, such as rapid urbanization, climate change impacts, aging infrastructure and a desire for improved quality of life. It emphasizes that building smart cities is an ongoing process that requires constant updates, and that most projects occur at the neighborhood or district level rather than the entire city scale.
The document discusses Thailand's transportation and logistics sector. It notes that Thailand has committed $25.2 billion to infrastructure projects including airport, seaport, rail, and road upgrades. Major plans include developing U-Tapao airport and upgrading seaports. The investments aim to improve national and cross-border connectivity. The expanding sector creates opportunities for investment in transportation, logistics, and related industries. Public-private partnerships are driving expansion of urban connectivity projects. The BOI provides incentives for foreign investment in transportation and logistics development projects.
The document summarizes Prime Minister Prayut's policy statement to the National Legislative Assembly outlining the new government's policy direction. The statement covered 11 policy areas including upholding the monarchy, national security, reducing social disparities, education, public health, the economy, Thailand's role in ASEAN, science and technology, natural resources, governance, and law and justice. The Prime Minister emphasized acting promptly to address issues like promoting royal projects, suppressing crime, resolving southern violence, helping farmers and the disabled, and overhauling healthcare. The government plans to stimulate the economy, reform energy prices, improve infrastructure, and prepare for the ASEAN Economic Community.
The Coordination of China BRI with Thailand and CLMV Countries' Development PathKlangpanya
The document discusses the coordination of China's Belt and Road Initiative with Thailand and other countries in the region. It makes three main points:
1) The Belt and Road Initiative is complementary to existing frameworks for regional cooperation like the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan. Adhering to principles of mutual benefit and cooperation will promote the initiative.
2) Key challenges to the Belt and Road Initiative include building trust, financing large infrastructure projects, ensuring political stability, and managing strategic competition.
3) Countries must seek mutual understanding and make adjustments to cooperate, as called for in Mao Zedong's doctrine of seeking truth from facts. With joint efforts and patience, countries can overcome difficulties and complement regional development plans.
The document discusses opportunities in Thailand's machinery industry. It notes that Thailand imports a large amount of machinery each year but has opportunities to supply more sophisticated machinery domestically to meet growing demand. The machinery industry employs many workers and consists of thousands of enterprises. Rapid development in Southeast Asia is driving export growth of Thai machinery. Food processing, automotive, electronics, and other industries are fueling demand for machine tools, packaging equipment, and other machinery. The BOI aims to promote investment that can help Thailand produce and export more advanced machinery to capitalize on these opportunities.
The TIA-GT aims to promote economic growth and integrated development between Timor-Leste, Eastern Indonesia, and Northern Australia. Leaders support this initiative to promote growth in Eastern Indonesia and diversify Northern Australia's mining-focused industries. A mission unit was launched in 2013 to negotiate cooperation agreements. The initiative envisions establishing transnational manufacturing and logistics chains by leveraging Timor-Leste's trade agreements and potential as a hub between Indonesia and Australia. Infrastructure connectivity, human capital development, and private sector involvement will be key to success across various industries like agribusiness and fisheries.
On 7 and 8 August 2013, the “Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration (RCI) in Asia” Programme of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the “Secretariat of Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation (China)” held a workshop on "Project Management of Cross-border Cooperation: European Experiences" in Nanning, People's Republic of China. The purpose of the workshop was twofold. Firstly, it aimed at familiarizing participants from PBG member countries with the initiation, planning, management and financing of cross-border cooperation projects as well as the specifics of modes of cooperation, such as formation, legal bases, added value, and difficulties. The second objective of the workshop was to discuss opportunities and challenges of cross-border cooperation in Asia. This report summarises the main themes and results of this event.
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Certificate of Completion in Cyber Risk SupervisionDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara successfully completed a 16-hour online course on cyber risk supervision. The certificate was issued on February 7, 2024 by Dominique Desruelle, Director of the IMF Institute for Capacity Development, and Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department in Washington, DC.
Certificate of Completion in Becoming an Effective LeaderDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed an online course called "Becoming an Effective Leader" on November 24, 2023. The certificate of completion was issued to Choen Krainara for successfully finishing the leadership development course provided by Learning Pool.
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Certificate of Completion in Project Management LeadershipDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed an online project management leadership course provided by Learning Pool on November 24, 2023. The certificate of completion recognizes Choen's successful completion of the course. The course aimed to develop project management leadership skills through online learning.
Choen Krainara completed an online risk management course on November 10, 2023 provided by Learning Pool. The certificate confirms successful completion of the risk management course. The course was completed online through Learning Pool on November 10th.
Certificate of Completion in Child Protection in Conflict SettingsDr.Choen Krainara
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Certificate of Completion in Humanitarian Information Management, Communicati...Dr.Choen Krainara
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Certificate of Completion in Finance and Budgets in EmergenciesDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara successfully completed a course on Finance and Budgets in Emergencies provided by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. The certificate was issued on October 27, 2023 to acknowledge completion of the course.
Certificate of Completion in Introduction to Human Resource Management in Hum...Dr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed the course "Introduction to Human Resource Management in Humanitarian Contexts" provided by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy on October 26, 2023 according to their Certificate of Completion. The certificate confirms Choen Krainara successfully finished the introductory course on human resource management in humanitarian situations issued on the stated date by the named academy.
Certificate of Completion in IRC Personal Safety and SecurityDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed the online learning course "IRC Personal Safety and Security" on October 23, 2023. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provided the course, which focused on personal safety and security. A certificate of completion was issued to Choen Krainara upon finishing the course.
Certificate of Completion in Wellness and Resilience for Frontline Workers an...Dr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed an online course called "Wellness and Resilience for Frontline Workers and Managers" on October 20, 2023. The course was provided by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and focused on strategies for frontline workers and managers to build resilience and maintain wellness. Choen Krainara successfully finished all requirements to earn a Certificate of Completion for this online learning course.
Certificate of Completion in Macroeconomics of Climate Change on Finanancial ...Dr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed a 3-hour online course on Macroeconomics of Climate Change - Climate Risks for the Financial Sector on September 21, 2023. The course certificate was issued by Dominique Desruelle, Director of the IMF Institute for Capacity Development in Washington, DC.
Certificate of Completion in Macroeconomics of Climate Change on Green Public...Dr.Choen Krainara
Dominique Desruelle, Director of the IMF Institute for Capacity Development, issued a certificate to Choen Krainara for successfully completing a 9-hour online course on Macroeconomics of Climate Change - Green Public Finance on September 26, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Certificate of Completion in Macroeconomics of Climate Change on Mitigation S...Dr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed a 3-hour online course on Macroeconomics of Climate Change - Mitigation Strategies issued by the IMF Institute for Capacity Development on September 21, 2023 in Washington, DC. The course certificate was signed by Dominique Desruelle, Director of the IMF Institute for Capacity Development.
Certificate of Completion in Macroeconomics of Climate Change: Science, Econo...Dr.Choen Krainara
Dominique Desruelle, Director of the IMF Institute for Capacity Development, issued a certificate to Choen Krainara for successfully completing a 3-hour online course on Macroeconomics of Climate Change - Science, Economics, and Policies on October 6, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Certificate of Completion in Environment in Humanitarian ActionDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara received a Certificate of Completion for successfully finishing the online course "Environment in Humanitarian Action" provided by UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The certificate is dated October 17, 2023.
Certificate of Completion in Working in PartnershipsDr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara completed a course called "Working in Partnerships" provided by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy on October 3, 2023 according to their Certificate of Completion. The certificate confirms Choen Krainara successfully finished the course to work with others.
Certificate of Completion in Basic Principles of Disability Inclusion in Huma...Dr.Choen Krainara
Choen Krainara received a Certificate of Completion for successfully finishing the online course "Basic Principles of Disability Inclusion in Humanitarian Response" on October 12, 2023. The course was provided by the Age and Disability Capacity Programme to teach basic principles of including those with disabilities in humanitarian aid efforts.
Abhay Bhutada, the Managing Director of Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience in commercial and retail lending. A Qualified Chartered Accountant, he has been pivotal in leveraging technology to enhance financial services. Starting his career at Bank of India, he later founded TAB Capital Limited and co-founded Poonawalla Finance Private Limited, emphasizing digital lending. Under his leadership, Poonawalla Fincorp achieved a 'AAA' credit rating, integrating acquisitions and emphasizing corporate governance. Actively involved in industry forums and CSR initiatives, Abhay has been recognized with awards like "Young Entrepreneur of India 2017" and "40 under 40 Most Influential Leader for 2020-21." Personally, he values mindfulness, enjoys gardening, yoga, and sees every day as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Fabular Frames and the Four Ratio ProblemMajid Iqbal
Digital, interactive art showing the struggle of a society in providing for its present population while also saving planetary resources for future generations. Spread across several frames, the art is actually the rendering of real and speculative data. The stereographic projections change shape in response to prompts and provocations. Visitors interact with the model through speculative statements about how to increase savings across communities, regions, ecosystems and environments. Their fabulations combined with random noise, i.e. factors beyond control, have a dramatic effect on the societal transition. Things get better. Things get worse. The aim is to give visitors a new grasp and feel of the ongoing struggles in democracies around the world.
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Cross-Border Trades and Commerce between Thailand and Neighboring Countries: Policy Implications for Establishing Special Border Economic Zones
1. This article was downloaded by: [Choen Krainara]
On: 17 August 2015, At: 20:33
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Journal of Borderlands Studies
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subscription information:
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Cross-Border Trades and Commerce
between Thailand and Neighboring
Countries: Policy Implications for
Establishing Special Border Economic
Zones
Choen Krainara
a
& Jayant K. Routray
b
a
Choen Krainara, Ph.D. Candidate, Regional and Rural
Development Planning Field of Study, School of Environment,
Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, PO Box
4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
b
Jayant K. Routray, Professor, Regional and Rural Development
Planning Field of Study, School of Environment, Resources and
Development, Asian Institute of Technology, PO Box 4, Klong
Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Published online: 14 Aug 2015.
To cite this article: Choen Krainara & Jayant K. Routray (2015): Cross-Border Trades and Commerce
between Thailand and Neighboring Countries: Policy Implications for Establishing Special Border
Economic Zones, Journal of Borderlands Studies, DOI: 10.1080/08865655.2015.1068209
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2015.1068209
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4. The illegal influx phenomenon of immigrants obviously prompts concerns over national security in
particular and subsequent multi-faceted impacts on Thai economy and society in general. To complement
the GMS, Thailand, which is located at the strategic intersection of the mainland of the South East Asian
region, initiated the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) in
2003 in order to bridge development gaps with bordering countries—Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar
and Vietnam (CLMV)—by promoting integrated cross-border development based on the border
economic zone (BEZ) concept (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand 2008). The GMS spatially adopts
a corridor development approach with a total of nine transborder economic corridors so as to spearhead
cross-border regional development linking both intra-GMS and South Asian and East Asian regions (ADB
2007). Out of nine, six GMS corridors are trans-Thai territory (Figure 1). Importantly, it strengthens the
locational advantage of cross-border regions towards emerging production and trade zones. This sort of
BEZ was pioneered by the Maquiladora or export manufacturing sector, which has been developed to
promote employment along the 2,000 mile-long Mexico–United States border since 1965 (Weiler and
Zerlentes 2003). In the Asian region, this concept has been proliferating during recent decades. Such
zones have been implemented, e.g. between the Guangdong province of China and Hong Kong; between
Indonesia and Singapore; between the Johor Bahru state of Malaysia and Singapore and between North
Korea and South Korea. Other existing BEZs along the GMS corridors are between China and Myanmar;
between China and Vietnam; between Vietnam and Cambodia and between Vietnam and Lao PDR. A
few BEZs are still under the planning and evolution process, i.e. between North Korea and China;
between China and Russia and between India and Pakistan. Likewise, Thailand is selecting a few cross-
border regions to be advocated as BEZs linking with bordering countries. However, there is hardly any
clear documented information available for explaining the underlying rationale for developing BEZs. The
available scattered documents and reports do not provide any insight into the contributing factors for
supporting growth and development of cross-border trade and people’s mobility. The partial
understanding without proper analysis about the progress of regional development and border
industrialization for BEZs is inconclusive.
2. Objectives
The prime objective of this study was to investigate the prospect of cross-border trade between Thailand
and neighboring countries and associated development potentials closer to the border regions. Specifically,
this paper attempts to study the cross-border trade flows, patterns, trends, and contributing factors
explaining the growth, impacts and significance of emerging border regions. The paper intends to examine
the state of cross-border mobility and shopping, regional and BEZs development and identify potential
border regions with enabling policies.
3. Theoretical Framework and Evolution of Cross-border Economic Zones/
Regions
This section presents a comprehensive overview of the theoretical background and empirical evidences
through an analysis of the literature. David Ricardo initially grounds classical international trade theory as
so-called comparative advantage in 1817. He states that, other things being equal, a country tends to
specialize in and exports those commodities of which it has maximum comparative cost advantage.
Similarly the country’s imports will be of goods having relatively less comparative cost advantage (Sumitr
and Worabuntoon 2004). Since then the international trade model has been evolving over time influenced
by increasing complex factors and technological changes, which have given rise to emergent neo-classical
international trade theories. Among others, Ohlin (1933) proposes resources and trade theory, in which
trade occurs from the differences of resources between two countries. He states that a country will export
goods that use its abundant factors intensively, and import goods that use its scarce factors intensively. In
the two-factor case, he states a capital-abundant country will export the capital-intensive goods, while the
labor-abundant country will export the labour-intensive goods. Tinbergen (1962) rationalizes the gravity
Journal of Borderlands Studies | 2015
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5. model that bilateral trade between any two countries is positively related to their economic sizes and
negatively related to the relative trade costs between them. Krugman (1980) further conceives a home
market effect, which is the tendency for large countries to be net exporters of goods with high transport
Figure 1. GMS Corridors Network
Source: Asian Development Bank (2007). GMS Transport Sector Strategy, Coast to Coast and Mountain
to Sea: Towards Integrated Mekong Transport Systems
Journal of Borderlands Studies | 2015
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6. costs and strong scale of production. Hanson and Xiang (2004) conducted empirical research on the home
market effect and bilateral trade patterns. They found that in industries with very high transport costs the
national market size determines national exports. For industries with moderately high transport costs, it is
neighborhood market size that matters. In this instance, national market size plus market size in nearby
countries determine national exports. To deepen insight on trade for development, Krugman, Obstfeld,
and Melitz (2010) suggest a trade model on specific factors and income distribution focusing on three
factors namely labor, capital, and territory. They state that a country having capital abundance and less
land tends to produce more manufactured products, while a country with territory abundance tends to
produce more food. Products and services to be traded are obtained from industries, which use different
factors and resources in the production enhancing income distribution.
In the present day, economic globalization has driven growing interdependence between countries
shaping development in various levels. At the global scale, there is the existence of uneven global patterns
of economic and social development. Wallerstein (1974) classifies the world into areas and nations ranging
from core states, semi-peripheral and peripheral areas, so-called world system theory, which is applicable to
hierarchically spatial levels. Globalization steers regional economic integration into six stages, namely the
preferential trading area, the free-trade area, the customs union, the common market, economic and
monetary union, and complete economic integration (Carbaugh 2009). Globalization also affects national
development, which is stimulated by emerging new international divisions of labor in the regional
production networks coordinated by transnational companies (Yeung 2001). Regionalization propels
cross-border development. Perkmann and Sum (2002) describe a cross border region (CBR) as a territorial
unit that comprises contiguous sub-national units from two or more nation-states. Jessop (2002, 25–49)
describes that there are at least nine ways in which CBRs have emerged. There are two broad classifications
of CBRs. Martinez (1994) cited by Yang (2006) categorizes four paradigms of cross-border interactions,
namely alienated borderlands, co-existent borderlands, interdependent borderlands, and integrated
borderlands. Meanwhile Krätke (2002, 125–147) discerned three types of cross-border cooperation based
on different geographical scales of cross-border linkages between regional economies. These are Type A:
long-distance international cooperation; Type B: supra-regional structured cooperation; and Type C:
regionally integrated cooperation.
Several studies conceive borders from a spatial perspective, which are derived from international trade,
location and central place theories. For instance, Alegria (1989) as cited by Peña (2005) categorizes two
central premises that determine the inter-urban hierarchy of border space: (1) The origin, destination and
intensity of the flows (capital, goods and labor) are the key to differentiate the interaction of simultaneous
processes in one space-national, transborder and transnational, and (2) the geographical adjacency of
structural differences (price, quality of goods and choices, etc.) intensifies transborder processes. Krugman
and Livas (1992) differentiate between the dynamic and static comparative advantages of regions.
Dynamic advantages are those variables that differ across regions and that are directly related to
productivity such as human capital and physical capital. Static advantages are those attributes that are fixed
and unique to a specific region such as access to the sea or being located at the border. Hanson (1996)
supports that static locational advantages lower transport costs; therefore, borders and ports are natural
sites to locate production and natural centers for international trade. Recently, greater cross-border
economic integration in many regions in the world has led the field of border economics to expand rapidly
(Fullerton 2003). Some of the areas, in which extensive research efforts being investigated, include
population, business cycle transmission, exchange rates, industrial development, labor markets and natural
resources. In practice, border industrialization programs are primarily referred to the aforementioned
Maquiladoras. Several studies have commented on impressive economic advantages as the key economic
driver and attractor of workforce. As a result, interdependence between Mexico and the United States has
intensified rapidly through local and regional cross-border trade, which has concertedly helped fuel the
growth of binational urban economies (Scott 2002, 191–211). Nevertheless, there are certain
disadvantages in terms of social, environmental and institutional impacts (Brannon et al. 1994).
Journal of Borderlands Studies | 2015
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7. 4. Research Methods
This research has employed data from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary data covers time
series statistics on formal cross-border trade between Thailand and neighboring countries for a period of 17
years from 1996–2012. Statistics on cross-border people’s mobility are collected from responsible
government agencies. Relevant data are gathered from reports of public, private and international
organizations. Primary data sources are obtained through non-participant observation of cross-border trade
environment at major border checkpoints in association with key informant interviews of cross-border
traders and shoppers, border industrialists and local customs officials. Therefore, all used data collection
methods form parts of a triangulation. Data analysis techniques used were: (1) quantitative—drawn on
locational and trend analyses, and (2) qualitative—that is focused on content and policy analyses.
5. Factors Contributing to Expanding Cross-border Trade
Cross-border trade has been inter-generationally carried out by local inhabitants gradually evolving from a
very informal manner to become the more formal system as perceived today. The Department of Foreign
Trade (2011) defines cross-border trade as all forms of trade or exchange of goods transacted through
border checkpoints by both sides of local people or traders, who reside in provinces or communities along
the border. Currently, there are a total of 71 border checkpoints across Thailand. Its specific locations are
presented in Figure 2. There are broadly three factors contributing to dynamic cross-border trade in the
context of Thailand consisting of cross-border and regional infrastructure linkages, bilateral and regional
trade agreements, and regional trade facilitation initiatives.
5.1. Cross-border and Regional Infrastructure Linkages
Out of the 77 provinces in Thailand, 32 provinces share a common border with four-neighboring
countries (a river border with Lao PDR and a land border with Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar) with a
total length of 5,582 km, which are distributed in ten provinces next to Myanmar with a length of 2,400
km, 11 provinces next to Lao PDR with 1,810 km, seven provinces next to Cambodia with 725 km and
four southern provinces next to Malaysia with the shortest length of 647 km. Extensive cross-border
infrastructure linkages have been developed over the years. As an emerging donor country, during
2005–2009, Thailand has extended cumulative grants to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar (CLM)
with a total of 201.87 million US$ to develop cross-border rail links, interprovincial roads and airports
towards sub-regional transport integration and multimodal linkages (Neighbouring Countries Economic
Development Cooperation Agency [NEDA] 2011). The major railway links with neighboring countries
currently in operation are from Bangkok to Vientiane, capital city of Lao PDR, and Bangkok to Penang
state in Malaysia. Chiangsaen river port in Chiangrai province, which has been in operation since 2003,
plays a vital role in connecting the northern region of Thailand with the southern region of China. And a
second Chiangsaen river port was constructed just about 10 km further downstream (Office of National
Economic and Social Development Board [NESDB] 2008). Thailand participates in the GMS
Information Superhighway Network (ISN), which strengthens the GMS-wide network so as to support
regional integration (Asian Development Bank [ADB] 2007). In addition, Thailand has taken part with
another two overlapping regional highway networks notably the ASEAN Highway Network signed in
1999 and the Asian Highway Network signed in 2005, which have been extended over the country along
12 routes with a total road length of 3,430 km (Department of Highways of Thailand 2011).
5.2. Bilateral and Regional Trade Agreements
Thailand has signed bilateral trade agreements with neighboring countries (Lao PDR: 1978, Malaysia:
2000, Cambodia: 2000, and Myanmar: 2010) in order to forge economic relations and trade facilitation
(Department of Trade Negotiations of Thailand 2000). Regarding the regional trade agreement, the
pertinent pacts are: (1) the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which has a large market size at 590 million
people. The old six member countries of ASEAN have reduced import duties of the Inclusion List (IL)
Journal of Borderlands Studies | 2015
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8. Figure 2. Geographical Distributions of Border Checkpoints in Thailand
Source: Prepared using the data from the Customs Department of Thailand (2012).
Journal of Borderlands Studies | 2015
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9. within the Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme (CEPT) to 0–5% since 2003, and have become
0% since 2010. Whereas the new member countries have lowered import duties of IL within CEPT to
0–5% in 2006 by Vietnam, Lao PDR and Myanmar in 2008, Cambodia in 2010, and all four countries to
become 0% in 2015. The total commodities under CEPT cover 105,123 items (ASEAN Secretariat
2008). Secondly, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area was signed on November 29, 2004 leading to a
gradual process of trade liberalization for two categories namely: (1) The Early Harvest program consisting
of specific agricultural products. China and old ASEAN member countries started reducing import tariffs
from January 1, 2004, and have lowered them to 0% since January1, 2006. New ASEAN member
countries have reduced tariffs to 0% since 2010 (Department of Trade Negotiations of Thailand 2000).
(2) The Tariff Reduction for General Commodity’s program was divided into three tracks. The Normal
Track, which was higher than 20%, has become 20% since January 1, 2005. The Sensitive Track has been
reduced to 20% since 2012, and the final tariff will be set at 0–5% by 2018; and the Highly Sensitive
Track tariff should be lowered to become 50% by 2015.
5.3. Regional Trade Facilitation Initiatives
The Regional Trade Facilitation Initiatives encourage the promotion of cross-border free flows of goods
and people’s mobility comprising of: (1) the ASEAN Integration System of Preferences (AISP) that
focuses on granting unilateral free trade treatment from old members to new members (CLMV) in order
to narrow down stages of development among ASEAN member countries. The time frame for
implementing this scheme was from January 1, 2002 until December 31, 2009. In 2005, Thailand
granted cumulative AISP to CLMV for 340, 300, 850 and 63 commodities, respectively. (2) ACMECS
strives to reduce trade barriers, improves transport linkages and upgrades major border checkpoints. In
2004, Thailand implemented a contract farming initiative in order to improve livelihood conditions along
the border areas with Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar by adopting unilateral free trade to exporters
from CLM into Thailand including 11 agricultural products. These products can be utilized as raw
materials for border industries in Thailand. (3) Through regional transport facilitation initiatives,
Thailand has been extensively involved in the promotion of integrated cross-border transport facilitation
efforts right from the Transport Agreement on the Carrying of Perishable Goods between Thailand and
Singapore through Malaysia, which has been in effect since 1979. Thailand has already signed an ASEAN
Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit in 1998, and this became effective in 2000.
Furthermore, a common navigation rule for facilitating transport on the Mekong river linking Yunnan
province of China, Lao PDR, and Chiangrai province in the northern region of Thailand has been
effective since 2001 (Ministry of Transport of Thailand 2011). By 25 March, 2013, Thailand had
partially ratified the Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA) aiming to promote speedy facilitation of
customs and immigration procedures at the border-crossing points along the GMS corridors, thus easing
out the trade flows (NESDB 2013).
6. National Policies Upholding Cross-border Trade
Cross-border trade between Thailand and CLM had been periodically affected by political problems
during the Cold War era (TDRI 1997). After the end of the Cold War, Thailand proclaimed a policy of
turning “Indochina battlefields into a marketplace” in order to foster closer economic interdependence
since1988 (Chandoevwit et al. 2005). The Royal Thai Government persistently reaffirms policies to
support regional cooperation particularly on international trade at different levels as follows (Royal Thai
Government Statement 2009):
6.1. At the ASEAN Level
It is a vital trading bloc placing significant emphasis on harvesting full advantage of AFTA through
“ASEAN Hub” policy so as to sustain trading and investment base particularly in CLMV. It is
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10. implemented by means of establishment of Thailand’s distribution centers and trading firms (Department
of Foreign Trade of Thailand 2009).
6.2. At the GMS Level
It is very meaningful for Thailand to be located at the strategic crossroads of the GMS. Thailand has
directed policies to foster greater flows in order to increase volume and value of cross-border trade, as well
as facilitating both intra-GMS and extra-GMS trade, investment and tourism. Thailand establishes border
economic zones along GMS corridors and forges labor cooperation with neighboring countries, as well as
seriously negotiating transit trade regime with adjoining neighboring countries in order to facilitate free
flow of goods to nearby and farther countries in South East Asian, South Asian and East Asian regions.
6.3. At the Bilateral Level
The cross-border trade patterns are considerably varied, resulting from different stages of development and
diverse political and economic systems. As a result, the common bilateral cross-border trade policies
towards neighboring countries center around trade facilitation through development of regional transport
networks (international highways, Mekong river bridges and ports), improvement of logistic systems along
major economic corridors, as well as upgrading facilities at key border checkpoints at international
standards.
7. State of Cross-border Trade with Neighboring Countries
Cross-border trade is one of the key indicators of closer economic interdependence between Thailand and
neighboring countries. It expanded rapidly following the relaxation of border restrictions stemming from
occasional political conflicts (TDRI 1997). Thailand possesses strategic geographical advantages at the
junction of the mainland South East Asian region allowing businesses to conduct both cross-border trade
and transit trade to a combined total of 2.90 billion people in nine countries, which is divided into two
groups of countries. Adjacent neighboring country markets can be transacted through cross-border trade
with total prospective consumers of 96.69 million people in four countries comprising of CLMM. And
nearby neighboring country markets can be transacted through cross-border transit trade with total
prospective consumers at 2.80 billion people in five countries consisting of Vietnam, India, Bangladesh,
China, and Singapore. However, there is a dichotomy of border trade activities, which is classified into
formal and informal cross-border trade.
7.1. Formal Cross-border Trade
The following analyses primarily focus on formal cross-border trade between Thailand and neighboring
countries using available time series data of 17 years from 1996–2012. Fostered by both geographical
adjacency of structural differences and the above-mentioned contributing factors, coupled with
advancement of information technology, particularly the Internet and mobile phones, local and regional
cross-border trade has shown a rising trend. The cumulative cross-border trade value between Thailand
and neighboring countries significantly reached 170.33 billion US$ with a share of 57.69% of total
international trade value with neighboring countries. The cumulative share of cross-border export to these
neighbors was as high at 59.16%. The cumulative share of cross-border import was at 40.84%,
contributed by Malaysia (55.73%), Myanmar (35.92%), Lao PDR (6.89%), and Cambodia (1.44%). As
a result, Thailand gained a significant cumulative balance of cross-border trade at 31.23 billion US$. The
annual average growth of cross-border trade from 1996–2001 was 16.98% despite the fact that Thailand
had faced severe financial crisis during 1998–2001. During enforcement of AFTA from 2002–2012, it
significantly kept increasing to 24.28% per year (Table 1). Above all, when the specified AFTA tariffs
became 0% in 2010, its annual cross-border trade growth considerably increased to 32.08% compared
with 2009. This growth could partly sustain national macroeconomic stability. With the increasing trend
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11. of international trade of Thailand, the intra-ASEAN trade and cross-border trade are also gradually rising
though the proportion of their share is low. Cross-border trade during 2008–2012 reached a significant
level sharing an average of 30.97% to intra-ASEAN trade reflecting the convergent effects of bilateral and
regional trade agreements and regional trade facilitation initiatives. Similarly, the share of cross-border
trade to Thailand’s aggregate international trade with the world significantly rose from 1.02% in 1996 to
6.48% in 2011 or the equivalent of 8.53% of Gross Domestic Product. Cross-border trade growth may
somehow contribute to regional development as both urban and rural people including the poor along
border regions between Thailand and neighboring countries can also benefit from trade, as well as
accessing a variety of products. This will result in better quality of life. However, cross-border traded goods
are mainly produced in Bangkok, the national capital city, and its vicinity like the eastern region and
regional growth centers. At present, Thai border cities and towns play a distribution role.
The bilateral cross-border trades of goods with reference to neighboring countries are discussed below. It is
revealed that the pattern of cross-border trade and commerce greatly varies depending on respective
comparative advantages.
(1) Cambodia: During 1996–2012, the bilateral cumulative cross-border trade value was at 14.37 billion
US$. The aggregate cross-border export increased substantially from 50 million US$ in 1996 to 2.41
billion US$ in 2012 with annual average growth at 30.17% (Figure 3).In 2012, the aggregate bilateral
cross-border trade accounted for 9.01% of aggregate cross-border trade value with four-neighboring
countries. Aranyaprathet border checkpoint was the most important gateway accountable for 60% of total
cross-border trade exports value. Aranyaprathet district is also the host site of Rong Kleua integrated
border wholesale market, the largest second-hand cloth market in Asia (Daily Newspaper 2010). In this
area there is cross-border out-sourcing of production especially for ready-to-wear garments from
Aranyaprathet district to bordering Poi Pet city in Cambodia. Finished clothes are re-exported to sell at
Rong Kleua market. Therefore, this market plays a crucial role in distributing goods locally and regionally
to garment clusters in Bangkok and other regional markets in Thailand. Klongyai border checkpoint
stands out as second with a 33% share. The rest is contributed by five other border checkpoints. The
major exported goods through Aranyaprathet border checkpoint are motorcycles and parts, cement,
engines, livestock feed and chemical fertilizers, cars, liquefied petroleum gas and printed textiles
(Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a). The total cross-border imports from Cambodia steadily
grew from 41 million US$ in 1996 to 231 million US$ in 2012. During the last 17 years, the annual
average growth of cross-border imports was at 25%. In 2012, Aranyaprathet border checkpoint share was
still as high as 43.70%, followed by Chantaburi border checkpoint with 15%, and Klongyai border
checkpoint with 6.90% and the rest shared by four other border checkpoints. The major imported goods
from Cambodia through Aranyaprathet border checkpoint are agricultural produce, recycled products,
second-hand clothes and ready-to-wear clothes (Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a).
Table 1. International Trade Value of Thailand
Regional trade
1996–2001
Total
(billions of
US$)
Average
growth
per year (%)
2002–2012
Total
(billions of
US$)
Average
growth
per year (%)
1. Extra-ASEAN 584.30 0.82 2,547.98 9.04
2. Intra-ASEAN 123.55 1.74 636.73 13.58
2.1 Cross-border trade 11.49 16.98 158.83 24.28
2.2 Cross-border transit trade 0.30 23.50 17.49 39.00
Total international trade 710.85 0.60 3,184.72 13.28
Source: Trades statistics for a period of 1996–2012, The Department of Customs, Thailand.
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12. (2) Lao PDR: During the last 17 years, the bilateral cumulative cross-border trade value was 21.57
billion US$. Thailand gained a favorable cumulative balance of cross-border trade of 11.99 billion US$.
In 2012, the share of bilateral cross-border trade accounted for 14.50% of aggregate cross-border trade
value with four-neighboring countries. The aggregate cross-border export gradually increased from 205
million US$ in 1996 to 3.50 billion US$ in 2012 (Figure 4). During the last 17 years, the annual
average growth of cross-border export was at 19.82%. In 2012, Nongkhai border checkpoint was the
most important gateway with the highest share of 56.25% of total cross-border export value, followed by
Mukdahan border checkpoint with 11.00%, and the rest contributed by six other border checkpoints.
The major exported goods through Mukdahan border checkpoint were oil products, cars, pellet cement,
woven fabrics, medical equipment, diggers, polymers of ethylene, tiles, and tires (Department of
Customs of Thailand 2012a). Cross-border exports from Thailand approximately serve half of Lao
PDR’s national population especially those residing along border regions. The aggregate cross-border
imports from Lao PDR rose from 68 million US$ in 1996 to 739 million US$ in 2012. During almost
2 decades, the annual average growth of cross-border imports is 25%. In 2012, Mukdahan border
checkpoint became the most important entry way with 72.53%, followed by Nongkhai border
checkpoint (8.60%), and the rest by other checkpoints. The major imported goods through Mukdahan
border checkpoint were processed wood, parquet, electrical parts, underwear and cloth for men and
boys, zinc ore, and working uniforms (Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a). In terms of
production linkages, outsourcing from Thailand to make working uniform clothes in Lao PDR is
important.
(3) Malaysia: It is the most advanced developing market economy among bordering countries. During the
last 17 years, the bilateral cumulative cross-border trade value was 97.94 billion US$. The aggregate
bilateral cross-border trade value expanded from 0.82 billion US$ in 1996 to 16.60 billion US$ in 2012,
which represents 56.66% of the aggregate cross-border trade value with four-neighboring countries
(Figure 5). As a result, Thailand gained a favorable cumulative balance of cross-border trade of 20.37
billion US$. The aggregate cross-border trade export sharply escalated from 0.54 billion US$ in 1996 to
9.75 billion US$ in 2012. In almost 2 decades, the annual average growth of cross-border exports is 22%.
In 2012, Padang Besar border checkpoint was the key export platform facilitating a high share of 50.18%,
Figure 3. Cross-Border Trades between Thailand and Cambodia
Source: Data from the Department of Customs, Thailand
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13. followed by Sadao border checkpoint (47.60%), Betong (1.73%) and Sungai-Golok (0.33%). The rest
was contributed by four other checkpoints. The major exported goods through Sadao border checkpoint
were natural rubber, parts and accessories of machinery, electrical parts, processed parawood, particle
board, rubber hand gloves and print circuit board (Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a). The
aggregate cross-border import also sharply increased from 0.28 billion US$ in 1996 to 6.85 billion US$ in
2012. In almost 2 decades, the annual average growth of cross-border imports is 22%. Sadao border
Figure 4. Cross-Border Trades between Thailand and Lao PDR
Source: Data from the Department of Customs, Thailand
Figure 5. Cross-Border Trades between Thailand and Malaysia
Source: Data from the Department of Customs, Thailand
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14. checkpoint turned to dominate with 77.88% share, followed by Padang Besar border checkpoint
(20.04%), and Sungai-Golok border checkpoint (1.13%) and the rest shared by four other border
checkpoints. The major imported goods through Sadao border checkpoint were electrical parts, parts and
accessories of machinery, auto processors, plastic products, synthetic rubber and chemical fertilizers
(Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a).
(4) Myanmar: It has been facing economic sanctions by the West since 1997. As a result, Myanmar has
heavily relied on cross-border trade of goods with bordering countries mostly with Thailand, China and
India (Aung 2009). During the last 17 years, the bilateral cumulative cross-border trade was at 36.48
billion US$. The aggregate cross-border trade with Myanmar gradually increased from 125 million US$ in
1996 to 5.80 billion US$ in 2012 (Figure 6). Its annual average growth of cross-border exports is 22%. In
2012, the aggregate bilateral cross-border trade accounted for 19.81% of aggregate border trade value with
four-bordering countries. Maesod, located in the west end of Thailand’s section of the East-West
Economic Corridor, facilitated as high as 54% of total cross-border export value, followed by Ranong
(22.93%), Maesai (14%), and the rest contributed by five other border checkpoints. The major exported
goods through Maesod border checkpoint were diesel and Benzene oils, vegetable oil, motorcycles, woven
cloth, fishing net, human drugs and consumer goods (Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a). The
aggregate cross-border import value sharply increased from 21 million US$ in 1996 to 3.55 billion US$ in
2012 mainly resulting from importation of mainly natural gas utilized for generating electricity in
Thailand. As a result, Thailand faced a deficit cumulative balance of cross-border trade with Myanmar at
13.48 billion US$. Sangklaburi temporary border checkpoint alone was the most important gate for
largely importing natural gas that contributed 96.93% of total cross-border import value. Ranong is
ranked as second with 2%, followed by Maesod (1%), Maesai (0.50%), and the rest by 5 others. The
major imported commodities through Maesod border checkpoint were wood, sea aquatic products, live
cattle, and agricultural produces (Department of Customs of Thailand 2012a).
7.2. Informal Cross-border Trade
Local border wholesalers play an important role in cross-border supply chains as being either indirect
exporters or importers of goods. Despite permitted local border retailing functions at border crossing
Figure 6. Cross-Border Trades between Thailand and Myanmar
Source: Data from the Department of Customs, Thailand
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15. points, there are still illegal cross-border trades, which are carried out by both local people and outsiders.
According to a local customs official, the value of illegal cross-border trade between Thailand and
bordering countries is estimated at 10% of the total formal cross-border trade value (Anusit Kanchanapol,
pers.comm.). Its trend is likely to decline as a consequence of tariff reductions and continuing efforts to
formalize cross-border trading. In 2011, the leading illegal cross-border trade commodities with respective
countries were from Myanmar (narcotics, personal cars, counterfeit bank notes, cameras and batteries);
from Lao PDR (game boxes, clothes, fruits, garlic and narcotics); from Cambodia (personal cars, dry chili,
paddy, cassava, frozen prawns, second-hand clothes and cigars); and from Malaysia (personal cars,
narcotics, motorcycle parts, compact discs and tractors) (Department of Customs of Thailand 2012b).
8. Cross-border Social Interaction with Bordering Countries
8.1. Cross-border People’s Mobility and Shopping
Border checkpoints play a crucial role as gateways for facilitating people’s mobility. There are 33 border
checkpoints across Thailand that process immigration formalities (Thailand Immigration Office 2012).
The aggregate people’s movement of all nationals using passports and border passes through all border
checkpoints increased from 5.19 million persons in 2002 to 19.20 million persons in 2011, which
accounts for 36.88% of the total people’s movement. During 2002–2011, the annual average growth rate
was 10.96%. Particularly between 2009 and 2010, it surged to 37%. This growth partly helps uphold
national tourism goals to become a gateway to Asia (Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand 2008).
Hence, the trend of cross-border people movement seems to be prominent. The total Thai nationals’
movement expanded from 1.92 million persons in 2002 to 8.16 million persons in 2011 with an annual
average growth rate of 15.90%. This implies that out-flows of Thai tourists/business persons to
neighboring country destinations are rather significant. The majority of Thai tourists’ cross the border to
visit casinos in neighboring countries as casinos are legally prohibited from operating in Thailand
(Matichon Newspaper 2010). The passage seems to increase as a result of progressive facilitation of cross-
border people’s movement under various schemes (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand 2011). While
total foreign nationals’ movements, which applies to immediate bordering nationals, grew from 3.27
million persons in 2002 to 11.06 million persons in 2011. These constituted migrant workers, shoppers,
tourists, business persons, medical and educational seekers with an annual average growth rate of 11.02%.
Likewise, cross-border shopping is growing, in which people in adjacent cities cross the border on either a
daily or weekly basis for shopping and dining in Thai key border cities particularly in Aranyaprathet,
Mukdahan, Nongkhai, Maesod, Maesai, and Sadao. Goods are mainly bought for their own consumption
and to some extent for resale. Shoppers from bordering countries generally purchase consumer goods,
foods, fruits, electric appliances, and clothes etc. while Thai shoppers mostly buy duty free goods from
border cities ranging from liquors, cigar, snacks, clothes, purses, watches, jewelry, and foods, etc.
8.2. Impacts Associated with Cross-border Trade and People’s Mobility
The impressive growth of cross-border trade and people’s mobility have brought about an increased degree
of interdependency and economic integration. Nevertheless, there exists a multi-faceted impact on Thai
economy and society. Firstly, the growth signifies a higher degree of border openness as a large number of
urban and rural people along the border gain benefits from trade, as well as acquiring wider access to
consumer products and essentials for daily consumption. However, the question arises to what extent the
benefits of cross-border trade growth will contribute to local and regional economic development as traded
goods are customarily produced in Bangkok, its vicinity, and the Eastern Seaboard region. Accordingly,
new border cities have not developed towards their full production potentials. Secondly, an increasing
magnitude of people’s mobility of both Thai and foreign nationals crossing border checkpoints bring
closer economic and social ties. This enhances the positive role that migrant workers play in the Thai
economy as they contribute approximately 0.50% of total GDP per year (World Bank 2006). However,
the influx of illegal immigrant labor causes various problems ranging from national security, public health,
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16. social and economic consequences (Ratmanee et al. 2004). Therefore, it is currently prompting a national
agenda for finding the means to systematically manage migrant labor in order to bring balanced economic
growth and national security. Lastly, there is an increasing awareness of inadequate urban infrastructure
and traffic jams due to rapid urbanization in several border cities, as well as lacking cross-border logistics
provision.
9. Linkages to Regional Development
Thailand has a strong core but a weak periphery development pattern. Bangkok and its vicinity represents
the core region. In 1993, imbalanced spatial development provoked the Royal Thai Government to
implement policies on investment promotion by dividing the country into three investment zones with
distinctive tax incentives (Board of Investment [BOI] 2013). Zone 1 consists of the central provinces
including Bangkok and five neighboring provinces. Zone 2 comprises 12 provinces in the semi-peripheral
region, and Zone 3 includes the remaining 58 peripheral provinces. In 2012, approximately 63.98% of
foreign capital investments were evenly distributed in Zone 1 and Zone 2. As a result, investment in the
border regions has been persistently lagging behind causing out-migration of both Thai and immigrant
labour to the main growth centers. These core regions are still facing a shortage of labor. Border regions are
home to 22.59 million or 35.18% of the whole country’s population, who are mainly engaged in the
agricultural sector. Border regions have eight out of the ten poorest provinces across Thailand (NESDB
2008). Therefore, the Board of Investment (BOI) has recently abolished zone-based incentives and turned
to promote new industrial clusters in each region or border area in order to spearhead the decentralization
of industrial concentration (BOI 2013).
10. Progress of BEZs Development
In 2004, Thailand designated the Maesod district of Tak province as a pilot BEZ. However, the
implementation of this plan was delayed due to a lack of understanding about BEZ among the
stakeholders. Concerning the issue of border industrialization, about 65% of provincial factories were
located in the Maesod district, and mostly engaged in out-outsourcing production in the form of Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for contractors from Bangkok and its vicinity. Those factories have
employed almost 80,000 cheap Myanmar migrant workers particularly for textile, apparel and agro-
processing industries (Tak Provincial Industrial Office 2010). Recently, Thailand has set up a national
mechanism to oversee proposals for developing BEZs across the country. Economically, the current
structure of outputs in all border regions are timely responses to the new investment policies as they are
moving towards greater reliance on the non-agriculture sector, particularly on trade and industries.
11. Policy Implications for Establishing Special Border Economic Zones in
Thailand
The preceding analyses particularly on cross-border trade growth coupled with contributing factors,
international trade and investment policies were strongly favorable towards the establishment of BEZs in
Thailand. In practice, there are gaps, which should be addressed in order to translate joint BEZ concept
into real implementation. Thus, enabling policies encompass five interrelated dimensions, which can to
some extent be applicable to other developing countries as follows:
. Economic Aspect: This employs BEZ as a means to reduce internally imbalanced
spatial development. Establishing co-production and supply chain networks will
promote cross-border spillover effects towards integrated borderlands development.
. Social Aspect: This enhances sharing of regional human capital together with cross-
border human development through provisions of social infrastructures, and jointly
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17. utilized with sister cities along the border regions. It should also strengthen cross-
border social and cultural ties towards the ASEAN community.
. Infrastructural Aspect: This provides adequate urban infrastructure including land
use planning in response to rapid urbanization in potential border cities. This also
promotes cross-border utilization of key physical facilities e.g. airports and river ports,
as well as sustaining cross-border trade of energy supplies.
. Environmental Aspect: This develops cross-border integrated environmental and
natural resources protection plans for potential border regions by actively promoting
broad-based public participation. This provides local capacity building for managing
natural resources by local stakeholders, as well as maintaining livelihood
opportunities particularly for the rural poor.
. Institutional Aspect: This strengthens institutional capacity building for advancing
cross-border regional development via BEZs. This will cover issues needed to support
cross-border flows of goods, people, capital and technology ranging from standard
financial system and regulation harmonization, cross-border coordination including
investment and trade policies, public-private partnerships, logistics management and
cross-border planning and implementation particularly for BEZs.
12. Conclusions and Recommendations
Thailand has been intensifying economic interdependency with bordering countries substantiated by a
robust increase of local and regional cross-border trade, people’s mobility and shopping. The geographical
adjacency of structural differences intensifies these flows. Border regions/nodes, which locate along the
GMS corridors and main transport arteries, are now emerging new growth centers. By combining
conducive factors with locational advantages, there are 10 border regions across Thailand that have high
potential towards establishment as BEZs with promising industries and cross-border trade, tourism,
logistics, distribution and cross-border shopping activities. The prospective locations are: (1) Cambodia
(the priority locations such as Aranyaprathet district in Sakaeo province has links with Poi Pet city in
Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia, and Trat province has links with Koh Kong province of
Cambodia), (2) Lao PDR (the priority locations are Mukdahan province which has links with
Savannakhet province of Lao PDR, and Muang district in Nongkhai province which has links with
Vientiane, capital city of Lao PDR), (3) Malaysia (the priority locations are Sadao, Hat Yai and Muang
districts in Song Khla province that link with Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah state of Malaysia, and Sungai
Kolok district in Narathiwat province that links with Kelantan state of Malaysia), and (4) Myanmar (the
priority locations are Maesod district in Tak province that connects with Myawaddy district in Kayin state
of Myanmar; Chiang Rai province consists of Maesai, Chiangsaen and Chiang Khong districts, which
connect to Tachilek province in Myanmar; Ranong province that connects with Koh Song province in
Myanmar, and Kanchanaburi province connecting with Dawei province in Myanmar).
Following the discussions in the preceding paragraphs, a few suggestions are made for realizing special
border economic zones in Thailand. The recommendations are:
(1) It is strongly recommended to control and overcome the illegal cross-border trades and
facilitate the tradable goods to bring them under formal trade, which would then
control the large scale import of low quality agricultural products into Thailand and
recover the loss of revenue to both countries along the border.
(2) The creation of a new set of regulations only for cross-border trades independent of the
broader regulation of international trades is required. As observed from the country
cases, the trade types between Thailand and neighboring countries are somewhat
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18. different; it is necessary to design such regulations in response to the changing cross-
border trade environment.
(3) An inter-ministry coordination and integration mechanism is very much desired for
bringing the responsible agencies and stakeholders associated with cross-border trade
promotion and facilitation, such as the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of
Industry, the Ministry of Finance and the Thailand Immigration Bureau, etc.
(4) An integrated mechanism for managing BEZs at different administrative levels should
be set up and carried out by the Office of the National Economic and Social
Development Board (NESDB) as a central planning agency.
(5) It is necessary to sustain the local backward linkages, and the Ministry of Industry and
Federation of Industry should promote industrial production clusters in line with
respective country needs focusing on the interests of the local communities and cities
along the border.
(6) It is important to promote local direct investments in providing cross-border logistics
services to be competitive with multinational logistics providers. In addition, collective
efforts for nurturing entrepreneurship of all types of traders should be initiated by the
Ministry of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
(7) Cooperation to arrange daily cross-border movement of labor in particular BEZS
should be put in place. The Ministry of Labor and the Thailand Immigration Bureau
should coordinate this task.
(8) Institutional capacity building for prospective BEZs should be promoted. As as the
border economic zone concept is newly adopted in Thailand, a wide range of capacity
building schemes should be provided by NESDB and other relevant agencies in order
to efficiently deal with multifaceted issues on BEZ development. An array of aid for
trade programs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should also be extended to
CLM in order to address common issues.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the anonymous reviewers of this paper for their comments and suggestions for
improving the quality of the paper. Mr Viroj Naosuwan’s support in formatting the paper is also
acknowledged.
Funding
The authors are grateful to the Royal Thai Government and Mekong Institute [grant number 06/2009]
for granting financial supports to carry out this research.
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