ผลกระทบจากการเปิดเสรีประเทศเมียนมาร์ที่มีต่อชุมชน บริเวณด่านชายแดนตะวันตกของประเทศไทย

Abstract

As a result of Myanmar’s liberalization is attracted many countries including Thailand in order to extend trading market. Notably, Thailand has a significant advantage over others countries in Myanmar case due to a connected area with 2,401 km along the western border. There are several permanent and temporary custom and border protection offices in five provinces; Mae Hongson, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Prachuabkirikhan. Hence, the conventional survey for physical geography, economic questionnaires, and relevant social dimension are urgent needed for finding an impact on community change around the edge of Western Thailand. The results show that firstly, some temporary custom and border protection offices such as Hui-ton-nun became an officially permanent site after liberalization because it has a shortest route to northern Myanmar. Thus the physical geography, elevation and environment sensitivity in this area is still an obstacle. Secondly, Mae-sod permanent border office in Tak province is convenience to access therefore Thailand government promote this zone as special economic district. However, more transportation infrastructure is required to be standardizing for future traffic. Thirdly, Kanchanaburi has two permanents custom and border offices: Dain Pra-je-dee-sam-aong and Dain Ban-num-pu-ron which have the easiest access route to Dawei deep-sea port. Nevertheless, the land ownership along the road is an importance factor for travel accessibility which cause, Dain Pra-je-dee-sam-aong has less advantage than Dain Ban-num-pu-ron. Fourthly, trading value around Ratchaburi border protection site is very low comparing to others four provinces. The main reason is an inadequate infrastructure. For that reason, Ratchaburi custom is still a temporal office. Lastly, Prachuabkirikhan has a permanent site for custom inspection. It called Dain Sign-korn which is used to be a mining transportation route for industry yet it became the route for logging transport now. The outcome of this study also revealed that there are several aspects which affect a change in physical geography and economy of communities along country border. To illustrate, firstly, government has strategies such as open longer hours for border market trading, build up Thai-Myanmar special district, and develop tourism sites on country edge. Secondly, there are the development on basic infrastructures and transportation routes. Thirdly, State-to-state investment is established. Fourthly, it has been the co-project for social and culture exchange program. Fifthly, there is a better stabilize on Myanmar government with Anzac groups. Finally, the reemerging infectious disease is increasing due to attend more on public health services. Consequently, the study of impact of Myanmar liberalization on the western Thailand communities will provide a significant role for Thai government to develop trading strategy along west side. In addition, Thailand should be prepared for the change and adaptation after join ASEAN in the future.