Factors Associated with Participation in Environmental Safety Management of Stakeholder Point of Entry: A Case Study of the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge Border Checkpoint, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province.

Abstract

Ports of entry are locations where individuals, vehicles, or goods are permitted to enter or exit a country in accordance with the law. The International Health Regulations (IHR) require surveillance, screening, and preventive or control measures to protect against international disease and health threats. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine the relationship between perception and participation in safe environmental management among stakeholders at the Fourth Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge Border Checkpoint (Chiang Khong), Chiang Rai Province. The sample consisted of 228 stakeholders, including both personnel working at and users of the port of entry, selected through quota sampling.
The research instrument was a questionnaire divided into three parts: personal characteristics, perception of safe environmental management guidelines, and participation in safe environmental management. With an acceptable Content Validity Index (CVI ≥ 0.5) for all items, and the reliability coefficient, calculated using Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96. Data collection took place between August and September 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that most stakeholders (73.25%) had a moderate overall perception of safe environmental management guidelines (Mean = 2.47, SD = 0.25). Nearly half (48.68%) demonstrated a low level of overall participation in safe environmental management (Mean = 1.71, SD = 0.77). Perception of safe environmental management guidelines was found to have a moderate positive correlation with participation in safe environmental management (r = 0.361, p < 0.001).

Therefore, it is recommended to promote stakeholders’ awareness of safe environmental management guidelines at ports of entry by increasing communication channels and frequency of public information dissemination. Additionally, opportunities should be provided for stakeholders to express opinions and criticisms regarding safe environmental management through diverse and equitable channels. This would enhance effective participation in safe environmental management at ports of entry.