Kiatkajon CHAIRAT
Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Corresponding author: Kiatkajon Chairat Tel: +6681 870 0219
kiatkajon2111@gmail.com
Sumalee SANTIPOLVUT
Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Supachart SUKHAROMANA
Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract
This paper aims to determine the cluster of 14 provinces in the Southern part of Thailand. We formulated 24 indicators for provincial clustering based on three major concepts: spatial, functional, and micro-foundational. Factor analysis shows that 10 of these indicators significantly determine provincial clustering. Cluster analysis obviously categorises 14 provinces into five cases of three to seven provincial clusters. In each case, the formation of groups is determined using the proximity criteria. Discrimination analysis helps to classify the most appropriate form, and in each case shows that clusters three and four are appropriate for provincial clustering.