Author(s): Siyuan Wei, Vatcharapol Sukhotu
This paper aims to analyze the effect of the China-Laos railway on the export trade from Thailand and China. Based on the analysis and findings, the authors propose a framework for building a competitive advantage for Thai industries exporting to China. First, the authors conducted a study of Thailand's exports to China and the current transportation routes. Then, this paper will introduce new routes that will be formed after the completion of the China-Laos railway. Next, the authors will determine the weight of determining factors through AHP analysis. Then, applying the TOPSIS method to compare the performance of the new and the existing routes based on the determining factors. Finally, the author found that the routes can provide better transportation performance. Based on the results of this study, a framework is presented for governments and companies to take advantage of a new route to improve their trade performance and competitiveness.