Border Trade and Economic Development Model : Case Study of Sungai Ko-Lok, Narathiwat Province : International Border Trade City Model

Abstract

            This research is aimed 1) to study the current situation of border trade, problems and obstacles of Thailand - Sungai Ko-Lok border trade around Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade market, Narathiwat Province, 2) to study the preparation for the international border trade city model, 3) to analyze the internal and external environments of Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade market, 4) to study the guidelines for Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade and economic development model. The study was quantitative and qualitative. The samples were the 300 residents who lived around Sungai Ko-Lok, Narathiwat Province. For the qualitative study, the research was based on documents and in-depth interview of the key informants who were entrepreneurs, public and private officers who were involved in the Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade, Narathiwat Province.

            The research findings revealed as follows  1) the current situation of border trade, problems and obstacles of Thailand - Sungai Ko-Lok border trade around Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade market, Narathiwat Province was found a variety of goods which were quality and standard. The entrepreneurs were specialized in their consumers. The location was suitable and central. The problems found were the lack of effective management including few entrepreneurs could not access to funding. 2) the preparation for the international border trade city model was found that the locals had a good level of knowledge. Their awareness towards international border trade city model had a good level of awareness. 3.) the internal and external environments of international border trade city model was found that Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade market, Narathiwat Province had good advantage in appropriate location. The entrepreneurs had competitive potential. The management of facilities and infrastructures had to be developed and improved. 4) the guideline for Thailand -Sungai Ko-Lok border trade and economic development model was found that the policy should be presented to the government to set the place as the special economic zone and free trade zone in order to increase more trade volumes.