UNITING THE GOLDEN BORDERS

Abstract

This thesis project seeks to enhance collaboration between developing countries through the sharing of common facilities. The site is located within three ASEAN countries i.e. Thailand, Myanmar and Laos better known as the golden triangle. They are geographically situated next to each other and are among the least developed ASEAN countries. The design of trails and facilities contributed by each country will serve to promote social progress, cultural exchanges, as well as economic growth by developing infrastructure for cross border tourism between the three countries. Various trails will connect cultural sites, tourist’s amenities and attractions in the three countries with Thailand contributing handicraft towers, Myanmar contributing a common marketplace and Laos contributing a fishing village. Two border checkpoints will also be proposed with one being at the Thailand and Myanmar border and the other at the Thailand and Laos border. Instead of the contemporary notion of constructing borders for separation, borders should be redefined to create and enhance collaboration. This new borderscape will allow tourists to better appreciate the cultural and natural endowments of the golden triangle and at the same time promote social exchanges between locals living along the borders with improvement in their living condition.