4. Research Methods
This research has employed data from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary data covers time series statistics on formal cross-border trade between Thailand and neighboring countries for a period of 17 years from 1996–2012. Statistics on cross-border people’s mobility are collected from responsible government agencies. Relevant data are gathered from reports of public, private and international organizations. Primary data sources are obtained through non-participant observation of cross-border trade environment at major border checkpoints in association with key informant interviews of cross-border traders and shoppers, border industrialists and local customs officials. Therefore, all used data collection methods form parts of a triangulation. Data analysis techniques used were: (1) quantitative—drawn on locational and trend analyses, and (2) qualitative—that is focused on content and policy analyses.