DEVELOPMENT OF THAILAND’S NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the current implementation of Thailand’s National Single Window and identify opportunities for improvement. Objectives included 1) assessing Thailand’s existing National Single Window, including its structure and function and agency and customer participation; 2) identifying problems with function and process of the National Single Window; and 3) identifying potential solutions to improve customs efficiency, port efficiency, and overall trade efficiency through Thailand’s National Single Window.  Implementation of the National Single Window, which began to be considered in policy around 2005, is now substantially complete, but development activities and improvement are still ongoing. This study used a nested sequential qualitative-led mixed methods research design to investigate implementation of the National Single Window from the perspectives of multiple stakeholder groups. Data collection was conducted using a policy review (Phase 1), a questionnaire (n = 400) (Phase 2), and an open-ended questionnaire (n= 38) (Phase 3). The Phase 1 and Phase 3 data was analysed using content analysis, while Phase 2 data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis showed that the National Single Window is currently being used and some aspects, such as implementation of import and export processes, is largely complete. This has provided benefits to users and agencies, especially reduced cost and time and improved efficiency. However, there are still some areas where improvements are needed, particularly interagency coordination of processes and information sharing and improvement of system stability. The study provides recommendations for continued development of the National Single Window based on these findings.