Multi-level structural equation modeling for city development based on the expectations of the local population in a special border economic zone in Western Thailand

Abstract

     In response to the opening of ASEAN and the creation of special border economic zones throughout the ASEAN community, research into the expectations of the local population in such areas is necessary to establish the most efficient policy implementation for Thailand. Employing a mixed methodology, this research assembled a multi-level structural equation model based on a total sample size of 540 people living in 120 local communities. Multi-level structural equation modeling in the Mplus 7.3 software was used for data analysis. The results showed that policy awareness did not have a direct effect on city development expectations, but had indirect effects on public participation and special border economic zone management. Therefore, people in the local community must be approached for successful management and policy implementation in the regional and urban districts of special border economic zones, as was found in this study. Further, the public sector must conduct policy implementation by persuading people in the local area to contribute so that the goal of effective policy for the special border economic zones can be achieved.