CAPACITY BUILDING MEASURES FOR SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE DEVELOPMENT AT KHLONG YAI DISTRICT, TRAT PROVINCE

Abstract

              The research aimed to evaluate work progress and satisfaction of different sectors, as well as to study economic, social, environmental, and security impacts, together with the problems and guidelines for developing potentialities of special economic zone in Khlong Yai District, Trat Province. The mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative research methods was conducted. The documentary research and interview were used as the qualitative research methodology. The result identified about the significant work progress of the special economic zone development pilot project in terms of economic infrastructure. The sample groups from different sectors showed their high level of satisfaction towards the policy and process of the special economic zone development pilot project. The degrees of opinions towards the economic effects resulted from the policy of the special economic zone development pilot project were in a high level. The obstacles included communication and discourse creation for the special economic zone movement which should be consisted of two-way communication and shared vision between the central government and local sectors under provincial administration with Trat Special Economic Development Zone Office acting as the center. The problems of local participation should be focused on two-way process between the central government and the local sectors. The problems of incoordination and delay of infrastructure development should be solved by accelerating and preparing for the economic infrastructure development conforming to the planned policy of special economic zone. The problems of tourism development should be solved by earnestly having law enforcement of public beach intrusion made by private sectors. The border pass should be replaced with the use of passport for the foreigners’ excursion. The problems of logistic center development should be solved by emphasizing the land transportation linking between the regional provinces and Cambodia in place of water transportation.