Development of Strengthen Bordertown Security and Wellbeing Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the structural potential for enhancing stability and quality of life in the border town of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District. The research applies
a PESTEL–SWOT framework to examine the dynamics of political and migratory factors, economy, public health, tourism and environment, and education—dimensions that interact in complex ways within the Thai–Myanmar border context.

Findings reveal that Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan possesses high strategic potential due to its location as a gateway linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea through the Singkhon Special Checkpoint, which can be developed into a permanent border
crossing to drive trade, tourism, and cross-border economic growth. The analysis of political and migration aspects highlights geopolitical advantages while underscoring challenges stemming from Myanmar’s internal instability and the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted population and goods mobility. Economically, the district demonstrates a continued growth

trend, especially in the service and logistics sectors, despite existing constraints in labor,
technology adoption, and production structures that require further alignment with local potential. In terms of public health, the district shows strong medical infrastructure and human resources; however, significant budgetary pressure arises from uninsured migrant workers. This calls for integrated management systems and cross-border health collaboration. For tourism and the environment, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan stands out as part of Thailand’s Royal Coast, rich in natural and cultural capital, yet facing challenges from climate change, waste management, and unsustainable resource use. Lastly, in the education and learning dimension, although the district benefits from strong social capital and local sufficiency economy learning centers, it lacks higher education institutions and cross-sectoral integration. Therefore, enhancing educational quality in alignment with border economic development represents a crucial opportunity to cultivate a new generation of human capital capable of supporting the future of the border region.