The research analyzed the soci al and economic impacts of th e road development to people who are involvement in border trade in rural ne ar the border in Lua ng Nantha Province, the northern of Lao PDR. The specific objectives of the research was to analyze characteristics and nature of those who are involved in bor der trade; to analyze how involvement in border trade has affected their mobility and their relation within the household and with people in the commun ities and society. The study was conducted in the four villages ne ar the border where people are involvement involvement in border trade namely Ban. Bo tenmai. Ban. Bopiat, Ban. Tin Tok and Ban. Nateuy in Namtha district, Luang Namtha province. The research was an evaluating research applying both quantita tive and qualitative approach. A standard ized questionnaire was used to gather information from a tota l of 80 traders from four study villages. Key informants, semi-structured interview and fo cus group discussion were also conducted. Both quantitative analyses were applied for data analysis. The research revealed the economic and social impact of road improvement on people who are involvement in border trade activities of four villages including characteristic, nature, mobility patterns, relationship and gender divi sion of labor in household and communities. How involvement in border trade ca n impacted their living standard.

A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender, Transportation and Development, School of Engineering and Technology

Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010