The impact of Thai-Laos border trade during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of the Nong Khai Customs House in Thailand.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of Thai-Laos border trade during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 in Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai Province, Thailand. A Case Study of the Nong Khai Customs House. This was qualitative research with a sample group of 20 merchants and transport operators on the Thai-Laos border, using an in-depth interview as a study tool. Use content analysis to analyze the data and present the findings with descriptive statistics. According to the findings, the economic impact of the Nong Khai customs house had an increased export value of approximately 37.26% compared to 2020, because most of the products exported can be transported by truck. Nevertheless, the import value decreased compared to 2021 due to the epidemic of the COVID-19 virus, which caused individuals and enterprises to be uncertain about the country's economic status, resulting in a decrease in the import of high-priced goods for domestic sales. The socio-cultural impact is minimal in this area since the people continue to follow the traditional ways of life and culture according to their religion as usual. The political impact the government has passed legislation to block the first Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge, preventing people from entering and departing the nation via the Nong Khai customs house. There is less impact on the trade of consumer goods through the border, but individuals and enterprises have adapted by changing the distribution channel to online. There are also measures to help people by reducing duty rates and exempting customs duties from the government.