Roles of Burapha University in the Decade of 2027-2037 in Producing Social Science Manpower to Support the Growth of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Airport City

The study on the roles of Burapha University in 2027–2037 in producing social sciences manpower to support the growth of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Airport City is a qualitative study that aims to examine stakeholders’ perspectives on workforce production for employment at U-Tapao Airport. This study is conducted because workforce development is an important mission of Burapha University, a key higher education institution in Thailand’s eastern region. The researcher collected data through in-depth interviews with 6 groups of key informants, comprising one individual each, represented the Royal Thai Navy, NGOs, local media, Burapha University administrators, a Member of the House of Representatives, and executives from establishments in the Eastern Airport City area. Regarding the opinions towards producing social science manpower for U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Airport City, the study demonstrated three issues. First, regarding the role as an institute that produces manpower in the field of aviation business, the University should produce ground technicians and nutritionists. Second, the role in producing workforce in the service sector, including graduates in hotel and tourism studies, personnel in traditional Thai massage, and individuals with foreign language proficiency, such as English, Russian, and Chinese. Third, the production of workforce in the transportation sector, as the provinces of Chonburi, Chachoengsao, and Rayong are part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This includes graduates in logistics – related fields, such as warehouse management and transportation management.