THE STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHONG CHOM BORDER TRADE MARKET IN KAPCHOENG DISTRICT, SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

Abstract

The present research aimed to analyze motivation, obstacles, strengths and weakness, opportunities of the trade entrepreneurs of the border market of Chong Chom, and to propose the strategies for the administration of the  market in question. The population under study was Thai and Cambodian traders,  the state officials concerned,  customers, and other  trade operators.  Forty-two of them were interviewed and twenty-six participated in the group discussion.  The instruments used to collect data were an interview  and a participatory and non-participatory observation. SWOT technique was used to analyze data, and the results were presented in a descriptive way. 

The research findings were as follows.

1. The main motivations for the Cambodian traders could be described as follows. 1) The wages and living standard in Cambodia were lower than in Thailand. 2) Sales business in Cambodia was highly competitive; they had to find a new market along the border. An analysis of the border market showed that the strengths of the border market were an availability of a wide range of merchandises, less expensive stall rents, sufficient parking space, and the name of the market.   The weaknesses of the market were there was no unity pertaining to the administration by the state sector;  there was less  cooperation between the trade operators and the market manager; the stall structures were not durable or  strong;  the infrastructures were inadequate;  the market lacked efficient publicity; and  goods for sale were not systematically grouped.  As for the opportunities,  it was found that very few Thais were traders here;  the border market is located on the  transportation route which was convenient for travelers; the market is located close to the hotels,  the entertainment venue, and the casino on the Cambodian soil. The main obstacles were there was a  privately owned market located nearby;  the transport link from Phnom Penh to this border market is not in good conditions. 
2. The proposed strategies for the administration of the border market were as follows.  1) The border trade potential should be developed by means of international cooperation;  the partnership network should be established to formulate the policies, regulations and trade development;  the state agency should be set up to oversee the border trade and  stimulate trade and investment.   2) The business ally should be developed by promoting an alliance in marketing and tourism;  a saving co-operative should be founded  for the traders;  financial institutes should be increased to make it  more convenient for the trade operators.  3)  The market facilities  and logistics should be improved; the infrastructures should be sufficient and safe;  the merchandises of the same or similar category should be grouped together and sold  in the same space; the transportation route had to be greatly  improved.  4) the entrepreneurs’ potential was to enhanced through training on marketing, efficient management, accounting and providing the financial sources.