SUTHEP THAUGSUBAN: THE ROLE AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION PROCESS IN 1972-2019

Abstract

Objectives of this research were to study the political context affecting Suthep Thaugsuban’s political role in 1972-2019 and to study political communication Process of Suthep Thaugsuban. The methodology was the qualitative research, collected data from key informants, purposefully selected by in-depth-interviewing and from documents.  

Findings were that: 1. The Thailand context between 1972-2019, was that politics under the economic crisis, the public administration was not stable. More populism was used resulted in democratic capital deficit. Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban as a politician with experiences become the mass core advocator to protest government under the political condition at that time, 2. The political communication of Suthep Thaugsuban as a Minister and politician with experiences and knowledge, personality including effective communication resulted the trust and confidence by, people.  The presented message was effective communication to assist people to know the right and freedom to peacefully political rally and fight in democratic system   without weapons. The mainstream and new media were used as communication channels that was Facebook as the core channel to create new network and new congregation of receivers, such as the politician, journalist, government officer, academicians, and general population.