International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) 10.30845/ijhss

The Next Generation?: a Comparison between Thailand’s 1973 Protests and Thailand’s 2020 Protests
Pongsapak Waiwitlikhit

Abstract
This paper will analyse and compare the different determining factors in the success of student-led political activism in Thailand - focusing on the similarities and the differences between the 1973 and the 2020 student movements. Additionally, the paper will provide a brief history into the formation of student activism in Thailand along with the preceding events before 1973 and 2020 to gain an understanding of why the student protests have been able to become such a formidable political force in Thailand. By comparing the economic situation, the symbolic situation, and the technological situation that has contributed to the success of the 1973 protest in changing the government, the paper will attempt to shed light on whether or not the 2020 protests will also result in major changes.

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