Impacts on Exports and Imports of Entrepreneurs in Northeastern Thailand under the COVID-19 Epidemic

ABSTRACT

This research aims to study the impact on exports and imports of entrepreneurs in the Northeastern region of Thailand in the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic. The sample is entrepreneurs in the northeastern region who export and import to Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia, and Vietnam, totaling 389 people. The research tool was a questionnaire. The statistic used is the multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the impacts on exports and imports of entrepreneurs in the Northeastern region of Thailand in the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic consisted of;Entrepreneurs' performance factors, market promotion factors, and government support factors could explain the variability of competitiveness by 61.0% (R2=0.610) at 95% confidence level.The results of this research show a significant impact on competitiveness. if entrepreneurs use it as a guideline for adapting to changes in trade, and the government uses it as a guideline to promote and support the development of the capacity of traders with the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia, and Vietnam can create a competitive advantage in the international trade arena, benefiting the country's overall economy in the long run. Guidelines for trade competition with the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia, and Vietnam, entrepreneurs in the Northeast of Thailand are;(1) Entrepreneurs bring knowledge and skills to develop and apply in business operations, both exporting and importing to keep up with ever-changing situations. (2) Entrepreneurs should focus on practicing marketing skills to create strengths and opportunities for businesses in exporting and importing goods and services. (3) The government sector should promote and support the development of entrepreneurial potential following the changes that occur. (4) Entrepreneurs create opportunities for integration and business networking to have the power to negotiate trade and create value for products. And (5) the government sector should provide support and opportunities to access funding sources for entrepreneurs to create business opportunities so that businesses have a plan to cope with the impact of changes that may occur, whether controllable or uncontrollable. will affect the business in the future.