Social Media vs Traditional Spatial Strategy: Analyzing Political Event Spatial Strategies with Mobilization Consequences through the Case of Thai Politics

บทคัดย่อ

Traditionally, resistance has found its footing in physical spaces, often bolstered by the power of media and social media. However, relying solely on these physical arenas comes with significant drawbacks. Not only is it easier for authorities to exert control over tangible gatherings, but these spaces can also lead to unforeseen repercussions. This limitation became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where in-person protests were largely curtailed. As a result, there is a pressing need to shift from conventional spatial strategies to dynamic social media tactics. This transformation has sparked intriguing questions about how spatial strategies interact with political outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between spatial strategies—both physical and digital—and their political consequences, using Thailand’s political movements from 2005 to 2021 as case studies. Drawing on statistical and historical data, the study uncovers three key insights: First, there is a clear connection between spatial strategies used during events and their political consequences, proved by Fisher’s exact test. Second, social media movements have a greater potential to drive policy-level changes than traditional methods, though they may struggle to instigate shifts at the political level. Interestingly, a hybrid approach that combines physical presence with social media seems to maximize the potential for significant political change. Lastly, this study finds that social media usage tends to mitigate the risk of unintended negative outcomes. Ultimately, it argues that social media serves as a powerful platform for mobilizing efforts aimed at achieving meaningful policy change without adverse repercussions.