FACTORS INFLUENCING THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS IN INSPECTING AND SUPPRESSING ILLEGAL GOODS SMUGGLING IN PASSENGER SERVICE SECTION AT DON MUEANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) study the level of operational efficiency in inspecting and suppressing illegal goods smuggling by customs officers at Don Mueang International Airport, 2) examine the levels of factors influencing this efficiency, and 3) analyze specific factors that impact operational performance. The study employed a quantitative research methodology, utilizing a questionnaire to collect data from a population of 48 customs officers in the Passenger Service Section. The research instrument demonstrated a high reliability with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.945. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The research findings revealed: The respondents' perceptions toward all four influencing factors—Personnel, Management, Technology, and Work Environment—were at a "High" level, with the Personnel factor receiving the highest mean score (X ̅ = 4.35). Regarding operational efficiency, the results showed "Highest" levels in Quality of Performance (X ̅ = 4.63) and Speed (X ̅ = 4.524). Hypothesis testing through Multiple Regression Analysis indicated that Personnel factors and Technological factors are the primary predictors significantly influencing efficiency at a statistical significance level of .05. Collectively, the studied factors could predict operational efficiency by 83.0% (R^2= 0.830). These findings provide a valuable framework for administrators to improve management practices and enhance the capabilities of customs officers in passenger services.

Keywords: Operational Efficiency, Illegal Goods Smuggling, Customs Officers, Don Mueang International Airport, Personnel Factors, Technological Factors