Student Movements: A Case Study of the Anti - General Prayuth Chan-ocha's Government Movements between 2020 and 2021

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) study the framing processes of student social movements in Thailand during 2020–2021, and 2) examine the diverse tactics adopted by student activists over the same period. The study employs a qualitative case study methodology. Key informants included four Khana Ratsadon leaders, two field journalists, and two academics. Data collection tools comprised documentary research, non-participant observation, and in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using content and interpretive analysis, with data triangulation employed to ensure credibility.

The research findings indicate that

1. The factors leading to the student protests included the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, issues in government administration, demands for monarchical reform, the perpetuation of power by the NCPO, and underlying structural economic problems. The main objectives of the movement centered on constitutional reform for democratization, structural transformation, the promotion of freedom and equality, and the creation of forums for public debate through parliamentary mechanisms. Mass mobilization was primarily achieved by framing shared issues (the three core demands), utilizing social media and political memes, and organizing creative protest activities.
2. The student movement initially adopted nonviolent strategies before escalating tactics in response to state repression. These strategies included organizing gatherings along BTS and MRT transit lines, conducting flash mobs, holding creative events, and using social media for communication and coordination. Subsequently, the movement intensified its actions by staging overnight protests, employing leaderless protest models, and directly confronting law enforcement officers. In addition, the study found that the movement introduced various protest innovations, including the three-finger salute, rubber ducks, white ribbons, creative social media use, and themed activities such as the “Ham-Taro Run.”