APPLICATION OF THE AHP-TOPSIS TECHNIQUE TO SELECT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS FOR ESTABLISHING OTOP SALES AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS ALONG THE RED LINE SUBURBAN ELECTRIC TRAIN ROUTE

Abstract

     The purpose of this research was to analyze appropriate locations for establishing OTOP sales and distribution centers along the red line suburban electric train route. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were used to rank the suitability of each location for a total of 13 stations. The sample group used in the study consisted of 2 groups: 34 administrators and academics, and 400 people sampled from passengers of the Red Line suburban electric train and OTOP operators.

     The research results showed that factors affecting location selection with the greatest weight of importance was passenger volume (33%) followed by the ease of access to the station (19%), rental expense (17%), transportation (10%), production site (8%), the area size (5%), labor and attitude (3% each), and the costs of land and building (2%), respectively. From the analysis using multi-criteria decision-making technique, TOPSIS, it was found that the suitable locations for establishing OTOP sales and distribution centers sorted from the most appropriate to the least appropriate were: Lak Hok Station, Rangsit Station, Bang Bamru Station, Bang Son Station, Taling Chan Station, Thung Song Hong Station, Kan Kheha Station, Lak Si Station, Don Mueang Station, Bang Khen Station, Wat Samian Nari Station, Chatuchak Station and Bang Sue Central Station.