A Study on Preparation for the Impact of China-Laos Railways on Thailand's Border Trade Area

Abstract

This research is to study both positive and negative impacts, as well as to present the readiness of the industrial sector in the Thai border trade area for the development of the China-Laos railway. The qualitative research model used a semi-structured interview and Focus Group Discussion are tools for data collection and analysis of research results with PESTEL model. The results showed that the most prominent positive impact of the Thai border trade area on the development of the China-Laos railway system was including economic growth The expansion of various industries such as the manufacturing industry agricultural industry Tourism business in border trade areas and nearby provinces. Negative impacts that hinder the Thai border trade area It was found that most of them thought that there was no negative impact that was very deterrent for Thailand. Nevertheless, only raised concerns about the preparation and adaptation. It should expedite the development of the transportation network system to support the China-Laos railway connection. The industrial sector should accelerate the adjustment of production efficiency to support the growth that will occur, including the development of products to meet the standard quality and has a low cost to compete with competitors including upgrading education and language skills to support economic expansion.