Networks for Driving the Development Policy of the Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Region

Abstract

The research aimed to study the development and the analysis of factors contributing to the success of the development in the eastern border areas under the Special Economic Zone Development Policy. Qualitative research methods were used including documentary research and in-depth interviews. The findings of the study could be concluded that the development of the eastern border areas originated from the drafting of the Special Economic Zone Act during the government of Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra. Subsequently, the Office of the Prime Minister's regulations on special economic development zones were issued during the government of Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, and the establishment of the first phrase of Special Economic Development Zones in the eastern region was during the period of General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government, head of the NCPO, in Trat and Sakaeo Provinces. The factors contributing to the success of the development of the eastern border areas were the authoritarian power of the NCPO government, the use of international elite networks and the use of domestic elite networks.