How Thailand's Move Forward Party's fandom strategy shaped the 2023 general election / Alexandra Colombier.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Colombier, Alexandra, author.

Series:

Trends in Southeast Asia ; issue 5, 2024.

Trends in Southeast Asia ; issue 5, 2024

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political parties--Thailand.

Political parties.

Elections--Thailand.

Elections.

Fans (Persons)--Thailand.

Fans (Persons).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (17 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Singapore : ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2024.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

The concept of political fandom, the state of being fans of a politician or of a political party, played a crucial role during Thailand's General Election in 2023. Fandom contributed to the popularity on social media of politicians, such as Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party's leader and prime ministerial candidate.<br><br>The strategies involved in achieving celebrity status for politicians are varied. This paper provides a case study of the factors behind the success of Pita and the Move Forward Party and contrasts these with reasons why Pita's key political opponents were less effective.<br><br>It argues that the digital age and the transcendence of politics into pop culture, where celebrity status and fandom can drive electoral outcomes, signify a profound shift in democratic participation, political engagement and the very fabric of Thai politics.<br><br>While fandom has become a stream in participatory democracy, it also highlights the polarized and temperamental nature of Thailand's contemporary hyper-partisan political scene.

Contents:

Frontmatter

FOREWORD

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

THE MAKING OF DOM SOM

INVESTING IN TIKTOK

ACHIEVING CELEBRITY STATUS

THE CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS OF DOM SOM

CONCLUSION

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 16 Apr 2024).

ISBN:

9789815203271

9815203274