A Social Impact Assessment using a SWOT-Based Framework to Determine the Factors for Free Train Transportation in Thailand

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Published: Apr 24, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/sujsha.2017.2
Keywords:
Cost reduction ROI SROI SRT State Railway of Thailand

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Puris Sornsaruht
Faculty of Administration and Management, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Bangkok, Thailand
Samart Deebhijarn
Faculty of Administration and Management, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

The study analysed the social return on investment and the development of measures to reduce the cost of living of Thai rail passengers by providing free or reduced fares to various train transportation passenger segments.  The study surveyed 1,768 individuals through use of a social impact assessment analysis as well as a SWOT model with the aim at reducing social exclusion of rail transportation passengers. Implementation problems included lack of government planning and budgeting in line with the actual conditions as well as lack of a social impact assessment and a social return on investment analysis. Educational performance and service quality also contributed to a moderate rating outcome regarding stakeholder satisfaction with the proposed measures. Data analysis from the Return on Investment and Social Return on Investment modeling suggested that both free, 3rd-class passenger transportation or a limited and selected passenger segment for free or reduced fares did not meet the criteria for government investment and subsidies as all factors were less than ‘1’ as the present free system had a ROI of -0.822 and a SROI of 0.1545. Free travel for a select group as well as 50% discounts had a ROI of -0.8184 and a SROI of 0.1136.

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Volume 17, Number 1 (January - April), 2017
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