Sichuan Province's Transportation Policy under the BRI Strategy and Its Impact upon Thailand

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to 1. study the origins and achievements of Sichuan Province as a strategic transportation hub in the People's Republic of China. 2. analyze the opportunities and obstacles of Sichuan Province's transportation policy and how it affects Thailand. The research tool implemented in the study was in-depth interviews. Using a purposive sampling, the samples included the following 3 groups: two Chinese academics, two Thai academics, and two entrepreneurs undertaking cross-border transportation businesses in Chiang Rai Province. A SWOT Analysis was utilized to analyze and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The analyzed data was then presented through a descriptive analysis. The research revealed that: 1) Sichuan Province's strategic plan and China's national strategy were consistent with each other, and both emphasized the importance of Sichuan Province as the center of transportation for the Western region, and 2) Thailand would receive opportunities through technological exchanges. Technology was expected to generate wealth to the regions along with the new transportation routes and help them to overcome the middle-income trap. The obstacles that Thailand would face include brain drain and a shortage of industrial labors. There would also be problems concerning transition and connectivity, especially in the countries between Thailand and China.