Potentials and underground economy at the Cow-Carabao Market, Ban Yang, Tambon Bung Mai, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This research studies the potentials and underground economy at the Cow-Carabao Market in Ban Yang, Tambon Bung Mai, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani. It has two objectives (1) to examine the potentials of the Cow-Carabao Market in Ban Yang, Tambon Bung Mai, Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani and (2) to study the problems, obstacles and the underground economy in this Cow-Carabao Market. This research is qualitative and the data has been acquired with the method of field survey and exploration, document analysis and interviews. The findings of this research are;

1)   The trade volume of the cow-carabao business in Ban Yang, Tambon Bung Mai, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, is the highest in the province of Ubon Ratchathani. Without the pandemic of COVID-19 and the outbreak of lumpy skin disease, the market is organised twice a week which is on Wednesdays and Sundays. In addition, the Market is the meeting point of the people interested in the cow-carabao exchange and other related business. According to the data acquisition in 2020, 1,200 cows and 400 buffalos are traded per week in this Market. Accordingly, the trade volume is approximately 48,400,000 baht. The market measurements and regulations are under the supervision of the livestock office of the district and the province.

2)   Problems and obstacles are witnessed in the form of underground economy. For example, gambling is found in the Market. Also, bribe money is paid to state officers by either small entrepreneurs or representatives of larger political network and business owners in the area so that the transport of livestock is run smoothly. Prostitution is possibly part of the underground economy. This research recommends that the laws on livestock management be amended. The supervision of this Cow-Carabao Market should in addition be under the authority of the sub-district administrative organisation, instead of the livestock offices of the district and the province. If the authority for supervision is transferred direct to the sub-district administrative organisation, the management and taxation of the market will be more effective and efficient.