DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE, SA KAEO PROVINCE UNDER THE ASEAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Objectives of this research were to: 1. Study the context of development of special economic zone, 2. Analyze the development of special economic zone by using SWOT analysis, and 3. Propose a development strategy of special economic zone under the ASEAN context. This article utilized a qualitative research method. The data were collected from a documentary study, an in-depth interviewing 20 key-informants, and a focus group discussion with 10 participants. The data were analyzed by using content and typological analysis, categorization, and then verified by a triangulation method.

The results showed that 1. the special economic zone concept was derived from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). The area was well developed under unique characteristics of a legislation and management, for instance, an enactment based on liberal perspective and with some privileges for the residents in this special zone. 2. From a SWOT analysis, the strength included a suitable geographic location of Sa Kaeo Province in term of a transportation center connecting logistics system including road, rail, and aerial networks. The weaknesses included an unclear overall image of promotion towards special economic zone, lack of readiness from local operating units. The threats were many legal regulations from many official units being applied to special economic zone. The opportunities were seen in an increasing trend of a trade and investment expansion in a special economic zone. 3. The development strategy of special economic zone, Sa Kaeo Province under the ASEAN context consisted of 1) operational plan, 2) features of special economic zone, and 3) contextual factors.