THE ROLE OF CUSTOMS CHECKPOINTS IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE THAI-BURMESE BORDER

Abstract

This academic article focuses on examining the role of customs checkpoints in supporting local development along the Thai-Myanmar border. Cross-border trade has long served as a fundamental economic activity since humans first began to settle and develop productive means for subsistence, leading to the exchange of goods among communities and eventually evolving into national economic systems. The study reveals that, while the exact origins of border trade cannot be clearly identified, it has continuously developed over time, giving rise to customs systems intended to regulate the movement of goods and people across borders. At present, the Thai Customs Department plays a crucial role in ensuring effective border management to facilitate the movement of goods and travelers between Thailand and its neighboring countries, in accordance with various international agreements. These include cross-border transport facilitation, border crossing procedures for individuals, temporary vehicle importation, and the provision of customs-related services.

In addition, the development of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS), supported by the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat, plays a significant role in modernizing and harmonizing customs standards across the region. This system forms an essential foundation for promoting sustainable trade. Customs operations must also align with immigration laws and national security policies. The Ministry of Finance’s announcements regarding tariff reductions further reflect a policy shift toward promoting exports rather than merely collecting revenue. These changes have provided border customs checkpoints with an expanded role in enhancing cross-border and international trade, ultimately boosting the economic capacity of local communities along the Thai-Myanmar border and strengthening the national trade system as a whole.