The The developing framework of Thailand’s national interests in cooperating with the Mengla border special economic zone towards logistics and tourism

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) examine the patterns of Thailand’s economic cooperation framework development within the Mengla Border Special Economic Zone; and (2) analyze Thailand’s national interests in the areas of logistics and tourism within this zone. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, employing documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. A total of 12 key informants were selected, representing stakeholders from the public sector, the private sector, and business operators. The study employs regionalism theory, national interest theory, linkages politics theory, and the concept of Special Economic Zones as an analytical framework to examine the developing framework of Thailand’s national interests in cooperating with the Mengla Border Special Economic Zone towards logistics and tourism. The study found that Thailand’s cooperation framework can be classified into seven models: (1) The Comprehensive Development Cooperation Model, (2) The Strategic Cooperation Model, (3) The Integrated Cooperation Model, (4) The Network-Based Cooperation Model, (5) The Economic Cooperation Model, (6) The Tourism And Cultural Cooperation Model, and (7) The Cross-Border Logistics Cooperation Model. The study also indicates that these seven cooperation models contribute positively to Thailand’s national economic interests, particularly in two key dimensions: logistics and tourism. The Integrated and Cross-Border Logistics Cooperation Models play a crucial role in enhancing transportation efficiency, reducing costs, and linking international supply chains, which leads to the expansion of trade and investment. Meanwhile, the Economic and Network-Based Cooperation Models help strengthen the private sector and stimulate economic activities in border areas. The Tourism and Cultural Cooperation Model contribute to generating added economic value and distributing income at the local level. Comparatively, national economic benefits in logistics are more strategically significant than those in tourism, as logistics serves as a core mechanism for linking trade, investment, and supply chains, ultimately affecting the country’s long-term competitiveness. Tourism, on the other hand, acts as a complementary mechanism, generating revenue and increasing economic value at the local level, relying on the logistics system as a key foundation. Therefore, logistics development is considered the main axis of development, while tourism serves as a supporting factor that enhances economic sustainability.