The Role of the State in The Development of Special Economic Zone : The case study of Trat

Abstract

The purposes of this research were (1) to study the role of the state in the development of Trat Special Economic Zone (2) to study the problems and obstacles in implementing the state role in the development of Trat Special Economic Zone and (3) to propose and promote the role of the state in the development of Trat Special Economic Zone by using the qualitative research, and in-depth interview with key informants. Research findings were as follows:

1. The results of the study on the role of the state in the development of Trat Special Economic Zone were classified into (1) policy formulation and planning which government had coordinated their benefits with a private sector. The state policy and planning should be consistent with the establishment and development of special economic zones. (2) Legislation, regulations and law enforcement to facilitate and make economy manageable.and (3) The role of the state in creating and developing of the economic, social and environmental infrastructure which were crucial things to support trade of goods and services including investment.


2. The results of the study on problems and obstacles in implementing the roles of the state in the development of Trat Special Economic Zone were classified accordingly: (1) Policy and planning problem which found a lack of clarity and continuity. Policy planning, policy advocacy, and continuity were important for the authorized role of the state in allocating the budget to the economic zone. (2) problems of law legislation and law enforcement which comprised the problem of law enforcement in town planning in Trat, the problem of individual status and trafficking in persons, and the problem of public health and health insurance. (3) problems in formulating the socio-economic infrastructure which occurred in the land allocation process by the Treasury Department representing the government in establishing an industrial estate and propose the conditions for investment in Trat Special Economic Zone to investors. But the private sector has no confidence regarding the legal issues surrounding industrial estates, delays in the establishment of an integrated service center, and the problem of integrating collaborative agencies in the area which found that the cooperation of each agency was being as "host" according to the potential of the agency so that organizations develop together.