Reducing Educational Disparities Through Cross-Border Collaboration: Synergies for Human Capital Development in the Mae Sai-Tachilek Border Region

บทคัดย่อ

     Educational inequality, especially between urban and rural areas, remains a global challenge, with border regions facing unique socio-political and economic barriers. The Mae Sai-Tachileik border, dividing Myanmar and Thailand, exemplifies these challenges due to political instability, economic underdevelopment, and cultural diversity. This study investigates: How can cross-border educational collaboration improve access to education and reduce disparities in the region? By applying Sen’s Capability Approach (expanding individual freedoms through education) and Ostrom’s Collective Approach (stakeholder collaboration), the research examines initiatives like bilingual education, joint vocational training, and cross-cultural exchanges. These efforts have led to a 15% increase in school retention rates in targeted communities (World Bank, 2022), along with improved vocational skills and language proficiency, enhancing employability. Programs also fostered cultural understanding and cooperation, strengthening socio-economic ties. The research highlights human capital development as a key outcome, showing how educational synergy equips individuals with skills to improve socio-economic prospects. Employing a research-based approach through literature review and document analysis, including stakeholders like local communities, governments, NGOs, and the private sector, this study explores how these entities enhance educational access and quality. While acknowledging limitations such as potential data biases, the study addresses challenges rooted in political instability, economic disparity, and cultural diversity. Ultimately, it proposes a combined framework to reduce disparities, foster sustainable development, and strengthen socio-economic connections, with human capital development identified as a core driver.