Freedom with duty, actions with consequences: Public discourse on Thai youth activism

• In Event: Highlighted Session: Civic futures in a digital age: Youth activism, cultural resistance, and glocal collaboration in Southeast Asia

Proposal

In 2020, Thailand saw a surge in youth activism that challenged the nation's traditional social norms and political structures. Initially small-scale, these protests quickly grew, with young people leading calls for significant political reforms, including changes to the constitution and monarchy (Sinpeng 2021a). This marked a significant shift in a society that has long emphasized obedience and respect for authority, especially through its education system.

The response to this activism was mixed, with some supporting the protesters while others opposed their demands, particularly on the sensitive issue of monarchical reform (Lertchoosakul 2022). While much research has focused on the dynamics of activism and the role of online platforms, there is limited understanding of public opinion toward youth political activism in Thailand. This study shifts the focus to online views of youth activism. It explores how X (formerly Twitter) users express their opinions on Thai youth activism by analyzing tweets from four hashtags representing different facets of these movements. Using critical discourse analysis, the study examines the nuances of public opinion on these youth movements.

Methodology
Source of Data
Four hashtags illustrating youth activism from 2020–2023 were selected to investigate the research questions:
1. #เยาวชนปลดแอก (#FreeYouth): This group organized the largest youth-led anti-government protests in contemporary Thai history, using memes to spread anti-establishment sentiment while avoiding prosecution under Thailand’s lese-majeste law.
2. #นักเรียนเลว (#BadStudent): Emerging from #FreeYouth in 2020, Bad Student advocated against student harassment, outdated school regulations, and for democratic educational reforms.
3. #ทะลุวัง (#ShatteringThePalace): Formed in early 2022, Taluwang pushed for the abolition of the lèse-majesté law, organizing pop-up polls around Bangkok on the monarchy’s impact.
4. #Saveหยก (#SaveYok): Yok, a 15-year-old student, became Thailand’s youngest detainee after her anti-uniform protest led to an arrest for lèse-majesté in March 2023.

Tweets were collected using ExportComments.com from January 1, 2020, to November 1, 2023, in both Thai and English. Identifiable information was removed, and the dataset was cleaned to eliminate duplicates, advertisements, local commercials, and irrelevant comments. A final total of 4,705 tweets was included.

Data Analysis
The analysis consisted of two steps:
1. Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke 2006): Initial codes were generated, followed by open coding to identify major themes across all 4,705 tweets.
2. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA): A deeper analysis was conducted on 400 selected tweets across the hashtags, revisiting and refining the codes and themes.

Findings
The findings from the analysis of tweets associated with youth activism in Thailand reveal several significant themes:

1. Self-identification and labeling
This theme highlights the deep ideological divisions within Thai society, particularly concerning the monarchy. Youth activists often identify themselves as "awoken" (ตาสว่าง or Ta-sa-wang), signifying enlightenment or liberation from traditionalist views, especially regarding the monarchy. In contrast, those opposing them are labelled as "blind," implying ignorance or adherence to outdated norms. The generational divide is stark, with youth activists proudly aligning with the "new generation" and viewing their older counterparts as "dinosaurs," symbolizing resistance to change and traditionalism.

2. Definition of Rights, Freedom, and Duties
The discourse surrounding rights, freedoms, and duties among Thai youth is complex and often contentious. Young activists assert their rights and freedoms, but older generations often view them as aggressive or disrespectful. This perception is rooted in the traditional Thai expectation that youth should be obedient and respectful, especially towards elders. The emphasis on duty over rights and freedoms reflects a deep-seated belief in responsible citizenship, where societal harmony and respect for authority are prioritized over individual expression.

3. Delegitimizing Languages
Language used to delegitimize youth activism is a recurring theme in the data. Critics often dismiss young activists as "stupid" or "brainwashed," implying that they are easily manipulated and incapable of independent thought. This narrative undermines the legitimacy of youth-led movements by framing them as naïve or misguided, rather than as genuine expressions of political dissent.

4. Karma: Actions Have Consequences
The concept of karma plays a significant role in the discourse surrounding youth activism. Tweets often reflect the belief that the actions of young activists will lead to negative consequences, rooted in the Buddhist principle of karma. Good karma is associated with adherence to traditional Thai values, including respect for the monarchy, while bad karma results from challenging these norms. This belief underscores the tension between the youths' calls for democracy and the deeply ingrained cultural values that resist such change. The invocation of karma suggests a moral judgement against activism, framing it as a transgression that will inevitably lead to retribution.

Discussion

1. The findings underscore the persistent influence of Thai-style democracy (TSD) ideology in shaping public discourse, particularly around the monarchy. Despite the growing frequency and openness of discussions about monarchical reform, youth activism remains a highly polarizing issue. The discussion around these movements often revolves around the tension between progressive ideals and traditional values, highlighting the challenges faced by young activists in navigating a society that is deeply resistant to change. Youth activists are pushing the limits of acceptable discourse in Thailand as they debate the monarchy and political expression.

2. The notion of responsible citizenship, deeply rooted in Thai education and societal norms, further complicates the landscape of youth activism. The emphasis on duty and respect for authority creates a significant barrier to the full realization of civic rights and freedoms, particularly for young people. This dynamic reflects the broader challenges of promoting democratic values in a society where traditional norms and hierarchical structures remain deeply entrenched.

3. Finally, the use of social media, particularly Twitter, as a platform for political expression highlights the generational conflicts and the limitations imposed on youth activism. While Twitter provides a space for diverse voices and opinions, it also reveals the "ceilings" of expression faced by Thai youth. These restrictions are shaped by legal, cultural, and societal norms, which collectively work to limit the scope of permissible political discourse. Despite these challenges, the findings suggest that youth activism in Thailand is gradually changing public opinion and paving the way for future studies on public opinion and activism.

Author

• Menn Chaiyarat, Teachers College, Columbia University