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Abstract (9)

Abstract

The research titled “The impact perception and adaptation of para-rubber farmers

and para-rubber industry from the ASEAN Economic Community ( AEC) participation -

A case study in Songkhla province, aimed to 1) study the link of para-rubber supply chain,

2) investigate the occupational impact perceptions on the AEC participation of the para-

rubber farmers and para-rubber industry, 3) look into adaptations of the para-rubber farmers
and para-rubber industry to take part in the AEC creation, and 4) examine what factors was

important in determining the para-rubber farmers’ occupational impact perception and

adaptation from the AEC participation. The research area covered 8 districts of Songkhla

province, which represented the para-rubber farmers more than 80 percent all over the
area. Secondary data was derived from the relevant documents. Primary data were

collected using the in-depth interviews of 12 key informants, i.e., the entrepreneurs in para-

rubber industry and relevant government officers. In addition, structured interview was used

as data collection tool from a total sample of 400 para-rubber farmers. Sampling used the
multi-stage sampling technique.

The research results reveal as details. The supply chain structure of para-rubber

systematically links from the upstream supply chain, which is categorized into rubber latex,

unsmoked sheet rubber, cup lump rubber, and scrapes. These upstream outputs will be

transferred to the midstream supply chain in order to be processed. The midstream outputs
are concentrated latex, unsmoked sheet rubber, ribbed smoked sheet, block rubber, and

other types of para-rubber, such as rubber blend or compound rubber. These midstream

outputs will be transferred to the downstream rubber industry to produce para-rubber

products, which are rubber gloves, hydraulic rubber pipes, and handrail for escalators.
However, the para-rubber supply chain is unbalanced because the upstream and

midstream supply chains are numerous; nevertheless, they can generate less value than the

downstream supply chain.

The para-rubber entrepreneurs perceive a low level of potential impacts of the AEC
participation. They view that Thai para-rubber industry gets comparative advantage, when

comparing with the other world para-rubber exporters; Malaysia and Indonesia. However,

the para-rubber entrepreneurs have adapted themselves in various practices for a long time.