IMPACTS AND ADAPTATION ON THE SERVICE BUSINESSES IN VIENTIANE CAPITAL OF LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, AFTER THE OPENING OF THAILAND-LAOS-CHINA RAILWAY

Abstract

Abstract

          The purposes of this study are to study 1) the impact of the opening of the Thailand-Laos-China railway service on the service business and 2) the adaptation of the service sector, including restaurants, hotels, spa & massage, and entertainment business in 4 districts of Vientiane. This research is qualitative research. Data were collected from 14 respondents through a semi-structured interview and analyzed data with content analysis.

          The results of the study showed that: 1) After the opening of the Thailand-Laos-China railway, the number of consumers in these businesses has increased, and the competition in the market has also increased. In addition, these have led to changes in government rules, regulations, and practices, and changes in economic conditions.                           2) Adaptation in the restaurant and entertainment business focuses on strategies for differentiation, enhancing food quality, and improving musical performances to attract customers. For hotels and spas, adaptation strategies often focus on quality differentiation, consistent with the broader restaurant and entertainment business. Strategies involving expansion into additional revenue streams are also observed in the hotel and entertainment sectors. Meanwhile, the hotel industry places particular emphasis on creating a unique identity, atmosphere, and memorable guest experiences. Furthermore, the spa and massage business emphasizes maintaining high service standards and employing skilled labor to maximize customer satisfaction. The key to adaptation lies in understanding modern consumer behavior and identifying appropriate market positioning. Therefore, entrepreneurs should understand the changing behavior of consumers in today's era and use it as a basis for planning marketing strategies in uncertain situations.