Enhancing Competitiveness of border Trade Based on Knowledge Management at the Border Checkpoint in Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaew Province

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to: 1) investigate problems and obstacles concerning Thai-Cambodian border trade at the border checkpoint of Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaew Province; 2) study Thai-Cambodian border trade entrepreneurs at the border checkpoint of Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaew Province in terms of their readiness and organization management; and 3) enhance competitiveness of border trade based on knowledge management at the border checkpoint of Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaew Province.  For data collection, a structured, in-depth interview was used for 16 experts and officials concerned while a group interview was used for 25 Thai-Cambodian border trade entrepreneurs and people using the border checkpoint of Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaew Province.  

The study found that the key elements of knowledge management for Thai-Cambodian border trade entrepreneurs are as follows: 1) the readiness for decision making on a change in an organizational structure in which knowledge and understanding concerning competitive advantages, resource and opportunity seeking, and initiative or creativity are required; 2) the organization management in which knowledge and understanding concerning management principles, well-defined implementation policies, approaches to performance appraisals, quality assurance for products, raw material selection and networking in business are required; and 3) the knowledge management process in which knowledge organization is required to be easily accessible for both Thais and Cambodians.