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The significance of the cross-border inland port linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has experienced notable expansion over time, mostly driven by economic development and the substantial increase in export demand from the far east market. Currently, there are ongoing development activities for the establishment of two additional inland ports at the Malaysian border. The current capacity of the Padang Besar Cargo Terminal (PBCT), an inland port, is insufficient to satisfy the demand. The Thai government has recently unveiled a series of new projects and enhancements to logistical infrastructures in the southern part of Thailand, which are indicative of the potential for economic growth in the area. The necessity to perform this study arises from the current advancements and the absence of empirical investigation into the parameters associated with the sustainability of a cross-border inland port. This study aims to examine the various difficulties and aspects that can potentially affect the long-term sustainability of a transnational inland port. It will explore the challenges, critical success factors, and impacts associated with cross-border inland ports. Upon the culmination of the investigation, a conceptual framework for cross-border inland ports is put out, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of its potential effects. This study takes a mixed methodology approach, utilizing interviews, on-site observations, desk research, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for data collecting and analysis. The findings of the study brought attention to the three fundamental elements of the framework, namely challenges, critical success factors, and impacts. Additionally, the responsibilities played by stakeholders were identified, along with a proposed strategy for establishing a sustainable cross-border inland port. This paper also provides an analysis of the impact assessment of a cross-border inland port, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet, and profit. The research is expected to offer significant insights that can be utilized for strategic planning and decision-making by the relevant governing body and operators of inland ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia holds the position of being Thailand's primary trading partner within the ASEAN region and ranks as the fourth largest trading partner overall. The bilateral trade between these two nations in 2020 amounted to nearly RM80 billion. The seaport in Malaysia has emerged as a preferred hub for exporters from Thailand. Nevertheless, the current cross-border inland port, known as the Padang Besar Inland Port (PBCT), exhibits constraints in its operational capacity. The rapid expansion of the economy in southern Thailand, along with the increasing need for cross-border freight transportation to the nearby Penang seaport in Malaysia, makes the future building of more inland ports across the border an inevitable development. Despite its significance, there is a paucity of detailed studies on inland ports along the Malaysia-Southern Thailand border. Further investigation is necessary to address the recent challenges pertaining to external threats and internal limits faced by cross-border inland ports. This study seeks to explore the present issues faced by the Malaysian cross border inland port and to analyze potential solutions for future development via the application of SWOT and TOWS analysis. The methodology employed in this study encompasses interviews conducted with important stakeholders, on-site observations, and desktop research. A SWOT analysis is conducted on the current cross-border inland port, followed by a proposition of employing a TOWS analysis for future cross-border inland ports. The highlighted findings pertain to major outcomes derived from interviews, on-site observation, and secondary data analysis. The establishment of successful inland ports requires the availability of strong supporting infrastructures and information systems, according to key findings. The development of adequate infrastructure, including well-connected road networks and direct rail links, should be a top priority for the government through NCIA. To reduce competition in the future, it is essential to forge strategic agreements with Southern Thai government and logistical companies. Significant opportunities are presented by the emergence of new markets, namely in the area of halal products and halal logistics. The government should also conduct a thorough assessment of the taxation of transit cargo. Overall, it is intended that the research would provide up-to-date perspectives on the Malaysian cross-border inland port as well as the strategic directions for the relevant authorities and inland port operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]