Developing a Sustainable Framework For Cross Border Inland Port

Abstract

The significance of the cross-border inland port linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has experienced notable expansion over time, mostly driven by economic development and the substantial increase in export demand from the far east market. Currently, there are ongoing development activities for the establishment of two additional inland ports at the Malaysian border. The current capacity of the Padang Besar Cargo Terminal (PBCT), an inland port, is insufficient to satisfy the demand. The Thai government has recently unveiled a series of new projects and enhancements to logistical infrastructures in the southern part of Thailand, which are indicative of the potential for economic growth in the area. The necessity to perform this study arises from the current advancements and the absence of empirical investigation into the parameters associated with the sustainability of a cross-border inland port. This study aims to examine the various difficulties and aspects that can potentially affect the long-term sustainability of a transnational inland port. It will explore the challenges, critical success factors, and impacts associated with cross-border inland ports. Upon the culmination of the investigation, a conceptual framework for cross-border inland ports is put out, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of its potential effects. This study takes a mixed methodology approach, utilizing interviews, on-site observations, desk research, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for data collecting and analysis. The findings of the study brought attention to the three fundamental elements of the framework, namely challenges, critical success factors, and impacts. Additionally, the responsibilities played by stakeholders were identified, along with a proposed strategy for establishing a sustainable cross-border inland port. This paper also provides an analysis of the impact assessment of a cross-border inland port, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet, and profit. The research is expected to offer significant insights that can be utilized for strategic planning and decision-making by the relevant governing body and operators of inland ports.