Abstract:
Thailand has recently put in place a logistics development plan for a network of
road transport. Included among several projects is one for setting up truck terminals
in border cities to act as centers for the pooling and distribution of goods. Sa Kaeo
is considered a promising border city. This study investigates the impacts of a
truck terminal project in Sa Kaeo province on border trade between Thailand and
Cambodia using secondary data and in-depth interviews that are analyzed under
the SWOT Matrix. The analytical results have led to several recommendations,
as follows: The Thai government should complete the project at Ban Nong Ian
as soon as possible by including it in the formation of a special economic zone
in the province. The reason is that Aranyaprathet Customs House, the existing
check point, is no longer able to serve the major increase in border trade.
However, there are certain concerns about an insufficient distribution of benefits
to the general public in the province. It is therefore suggested that investment in
the animal feed industry should be promoted in Sa Kaeo for export to Cambodia.
Also, there are some concerns that Cambodian enterprises may be reluctant to
transfer their products to the new customs house as they may have to bear more
expenses. In this regard, the Thai government may offer temporary remedies for
Thai entrepreneurs within a certain limit of time through a subsidy against the
margin to maintain export prices at competitive levels to motivate Cambodian
entrepreneurs to adapt their operations.
