The Role of the Chong Mek Customs Checkpoint in Border Economic Development in Ubon Ratchathani Province Following the Lao People's Democratic Republic's ASEAN Chairmanship

Abstract

This research has three objectives: 1) to study the problems and obstacles affecting the role of the Chong Mek border crossing in developing the border economy and trade after the Lao People's Democratic Republic assumed the ASEAN chairmanship in 2024; 2) to study the perspectives of the public, entrepreneurs, and relevant government agencies; and 3) to propose policy guidelines to enhance the role of the Chong Mek customs checkpoint in border economic development. The research employs a qualitative research methodology through in-depth interviews with three groups of stakeholders in the area: government officials, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The analysis is based on the frameworks of neoliberalism, international trade theory, border trade concepts, and the Third Space theory. The findings indicate that the Chong Mek customs checkpoint plays a role more as a regulatory and facilitating mechanism than as a policy-driven economic development mechanism. The local economy is sluggish after 2024, and Laos' ASEAN chairmanship did not significantly stimulate the local economy. The main problems stem from a centralized administrative structure, political patronage, and policy discontinuity. Analysis through the Third Space framework suggests that sustainable development requires the integration of economic, social, and cultural dimensions, while allowing community voices to play a role in the policy-making process.