The causal relationship model of factors affecting the quality of life of people living in special economic zones

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of good governance, public service quality, and social cohesion on the quality of life of people living in Chiang Rai Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Questionnaires were distributed to residents of the three districts of the Chiang Rai SEZ, namely, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, and Chiang Khong. The 652 valid questionnaires were analysed by descriptive statistics, EFA, CFA, and SEM analysis. It was found that the critical fit indices of CMIN/DF, GFI, CFI, IFI, NFI, and RMSEA passed the cut off criteria. Also, both direct and indirect effects were significant. The results support the proposition that the level of the quality of life of residents in Chiang Rai SEZ can be increased by improving good governance, public service quality, and social cohesion. Thus, it is proposed that the government should increase the quality of life of people by incorporating new governance principles, new service types, and new social cohesion activities that fit within the context of Chiang Rai SEZ.