Framing Process of The Khon Kaen Red Shirt Movement

Abstract

This article examines the framing process of the Red Shirt Movement in Khon Kaen and the utilization of framing theory as a fundamental tool through which a better understanding of the movement is achieved. The research findings illustrate that the adherents of the movement have selectively adopted the frames which corresponds to their individual experience, assessed on the basis of the actualities of the political society. Nevertheless, the constructed frames were not received without scrutiny, as seen from the struggle to reshape the presented frames, leading to an increased intensity of engagement among red-shirt supporters, together with the ability to recruit the bystanding public and diminish the legitimacy of the opposing movement. In the wake of the 2014 coup d’état, however, Thailand’s political context reverted to that of dictatorship, with numerous political movements being severely restrained, suppressed, and disorganized by the junta government. Despite the Red Shirt Movement itself, upon facing multiple obstructions, being forced to cease activity, the integrated framing process has had an impact on the transformation of the adherents into prevailing individuals with political awareness who have been harboring resentment and the will to protest against the seizure of power. During the March 24 general election in 2019, after nearly five years of dictatorial rule, many of the radical red-shirt supporting groups were still politically active and engaged, albeit with extended affiliation, beyond the Pheu Thai Party, with the Future Forward Party and political rallies against the military-backed government.

Keywords:  Thai  politics ; Red Shirts Movement ; Framing ; Pheu Thai Party ; Future Forward party