Development Guidelines for the Upper Mekong River Transportation Strategy after the COVID-19 situation: A case study of Chiang Saen Commercial Port, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, and Guanlei Port, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, The People's Republic of China

Abstract

This research is qualitative research, conducted by selecting a specific sample group. The sample group consisted of 2 groups of actors. Frist group included representatives from the government sector, private sector organizations, and related agencies. They were involved in a workshop to analyze the weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and to prepare a strategic plan. The results were analyzed using the 7S McKinsey organizational strategy approach with 15 people. Second group consisted of stakeholders involved in transporting goods from Thailand at the Chiang Saen Commercial Port to Guan Lei Port in South China. This group also included representatives from the government sector, private sector organizations, and related agencies, as well as freight transport operators in Chiang Rai Province. Interviews were conducted with 7 people, making a total of 22 participants. the objectives of this study were as follows: 1. To examine the transportation potential along the upper Mekong River, specifically from Chiang Saen Commercial Port in Chiang Rai Province to Guan Lei Port in Southern China.   2.To assess the impact of the closure of Guan Lei Port in Southern China on transportation along the upper Mekong River in Chiang Rai Province.and, 3.To provide strategic recommendations for transportation along the upper Mekong River, taking into consideration the aftermath of the COVID-19 virus outbreak at Chiang Saen Commercial Port in Chiang Rai Province.The study found that: 1. The growth of cross-border trade is a result of China's trade and transportation policies that have pushed for the strategic waterway routes to be a gateway to southern China, connecting to ASEAN through the Mekong subregion. These factors are considered crucial for the development of Chiang Rai province as a central hub linking China and ASEAN. 2. The closure of ports is a consequence of the Zero-Covid measures. While these measures have been effective in controlling the spread of the virus, they have also caused significant economic damage and heavily impacted river transportation businesses. Thai operators have had to bear the cost of land transportation through the increased R3A route during the Covid-19 prevention measure, and 3. The strategic plan for the development of the commercial port of Chiang Saen focuses on the development of transportation routes in the upper Mekong River after the Covid-19 situation. This plan includes: 1.Establishing agreements for Mekong River transportation between Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and China, 2.Developing the logistics system of the province to meet standards, and 3. Establishing trade and investment partnerships.