Abstract:
This research aims to examine the competitiveness and the comparative advantage of
Thailands export in machinery and equipment by comparing with Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Samples in this research were 288 small- and medium-size firms with registered capital
of less than 200 million baht and located in Bangkok and metropolitan area. Frequency, percentage,
mean, standard deviation, and Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index were employed for
data analysis.
The findings indicated that the competitiveness of Thailands export in machinery and
equipment were lower than that of Japan, Indonesia and Singapore with the average RCA index
equal to 0.15, 0.91 and 0.22, respectively. Recommendations drawn from the research results are as
follows. The government sector should provide assistance, promotion, and supports on the human
resource development, loans, and the source of funding. Further, the elimination of trade restriction
as well as international trade collaboration among ASEAN nations are also needed. As for the
industrial sector, it should build up the collaboration with international firms in terms of human
resource development, technology transfer as well as innovation, urgently. The key strengths of
Thai exporters are that Thai factories meet the international standard requirements and are
internationally reliable. Moreover, the workers are highly skilled and knowledgeable about
producing machinery and equipment.