An Analysis of Chinese Business Investment Patterns and Their Impacts on the Livelihoods of People in the Thai-Lao Border Area
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/rc-sdj.2025.10Keywords:
Chinese business investment patterns, livelihood impacts, Thai–Lao border areaAbstract
Background: Chinese investment in the Thai–Lao border area, driven by socio-economic mechanisms such as economic development projects, railway systems, and special economic zones, has influenced local economies, lifestyles, and people’s livelihoods. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the patterns of Chinese business investment and to examine its economic, social, and educational impacts on residents in the border region.
Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach using purposive sampling. The samples included 366 respondents, 26 target participants, and 14 key informants. Field data were collected with written informed consent from all participants through structured interviews and observation checklists, which demonstrated content validity indices ranging from 0.67 to 1.00. The questionnaire achieved an overall reliability coefficient of 0.86. Data were analyzed through interpretive and conceptual analysis, descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), and inferential statistics, including correlation analysis and two-group logistic regression.
Results: The structure of Chinese business investment comprised manufacturers or factories, border traders, border market partners, and international trade and logistics enterprises, thereby reflecting the patterns of Chinese business investment in the Thai–Lao border area. Perceptions of impacts on living conditions and livelihoods were reported highest for education (57.10%) and lowest for economic aspects (49.90%). Personal, socioeconomic, and environmental factors showed a low level of impact on the economy (19.10%) and a moderate level of impact on society (24.90%). Education level was found to show a significant positive influence on both economic impacts (B=0.097, p=0.004) and social impacts (B=0.086, p=0.007) at the 0.05 significance level.
Conclusions: Enhancing education is a critical factor in improving economic and social quality of life. Increased local residency (Thai–Lao), agricultural land use, and household environments tended to reduce economic impacts, while environmental factors continued to contribute positively to social well-being. Strengthening Chinese trade activities, procurement and export patterns, infrastructure development, special economic zones, business expansion, and regulatory cooperation are essential for achieving sustainable and balanced development in the Thai–Lao border area.
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