DEVELOPMENT OF CHIANG SAEN COMMERCIAL PORT’S CAPABILITIES AND STRATEGIES FOR ALTERNATIVE REVENUE GENERATION

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. to study the service potential of the Chiang Saen Commercial Port, and 2. to study strategies for generating income through alternative channels for the Chiang Saen Commercial Port. This research was conducted by a mixed-method approach, collecting data from key informants through focus group discussions by purposive sampling techniques, selecting representatives from government agencies involved in the operations of the Chiang Saen Commercial Port, and private sector organizations that currently use or were expected to use the services of the port in the future. The samples consisted of representatives from 11 government agencies and 8 private sector organizations. A questionnaire was used to assess the port’s potential, and open-ended questions were used for in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content descriptive interpretation.

The research findings revealed that: 1. Key informants perceived personnel to be the most significant potential factor of the Chiang Saen Commercial Port, followed by products and services, and service processes, with average scores of 4.45, 3.98, and 3.95 respectively. 2. The port’s capabilities and alternative revenue-generating strategies included: 1. expanding service offerings such as establishing rental spaces for boat docking; 2. establishing a Free Zone, including bonded areas for general goods and vehicles, and a Fulfillment Center; 3. developing the surrounding areas of the port into economic zones; 4. organizing promotional activities to increase public recognition and acceptance of the port; and 5. launching a livestock port project for the export of live animals.