The Construction of Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Representation through Language Strategies on the Pheu Thai Party’s Facebook Page

Abstract

This study examines the language strategies and the construction of the representation of Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the Pheu Thai Party’s Facebook page. The data consist of 136 posts published between 16 August and 31 December 2024. The analysis is conducted within the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis.

The findings revealed eight types of language strategies, with transitivity (process types) as the most prominent. These strategies functioned to construct exclusively positive representations of the Prime Minister, which could be categorized into four types: 1) a leader recognized internationally 2) a people-oriented leader 3) a reform-driven leader and 4) a leader who conducts herself appropriately within a democratic system. The study highlights the significant role of language in constructing political representation and legitimizing leadership in social media discourse.