The Impact of Thailand from Non-Governmental Organizations on China-Myanmar Infrastructure Investment

Abstract

The research aimed to study the basic information, essential elements, and obstacles related to the China-Myanmar infrastructure investment policy to impact on Thailand from NGOs in expanding China-Myanmar infrastructure investment. This research was qualitative research that used research tools by reviewing the literature from papers, articles, and textbooks, along with in-depth interviews with key informants, 15 people, and focus group discussions with key informants, 12 people. It consisted of a group of policymakers, policy leaders to implement in the area and a group of related people, for a total of 15 people. The data from the interviews were analyzed by using content analysis. The results of the study found that China has various investments in Myanmar, including the construction of an international economic corridor under the belt and road initiative project. The findings revealed that even if China has invested comprehensively in the belt and road initiative by covering the transportation routes to the south of China, but the strategy of expanding China-Myanmar infrastructure investment has not yet been as successful as it should be. The path connecting China with Kyaukpyu deep sea port to the Andaman Sea has faced many obstacles because of the role of NGOs, including internal politics of Myanmar, human rights, and environmental issues. These have both positive and negative impacts on Thailand. The main positive effects are that China is a big country, has a good political background and managerial potential, as well as having had a good relationship with Thailand for a long time in terms of ethnicity and attitude. Therefore, it is an opportunity for Thailand to expand its investment. The negative effect is that tribal and ethnic conflicts in Myanmar, including between the army and various ethnic groups, cause Thailand to bear quite a lot of immigration problems.