The Roles of Media in Thailand’s Political Conflicts 2020-2022

Abstract

         This thesis focuses on (1) examining the role of the media as a tool in the process of political socialization, and (2) analyzing the patterns and methods of news presentation related to political protests by various media outlets during the period from 2020 to 2022. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study integrates content analysis, latent content analysis, and documentary research to investigate the roles of individual media outlets during the youth-led protest movement. A total of 7 media organizations were examined to identify how each outlet framed and presented information during this politically contentious period.

         The findings reveal that all 7 selected media outlets exhibit distinct political orientation, often presenting news in ways that reflect and reinforce their own political stances. The rise of digital technology has significantly transformed the media landscape, with most organizations relying on digital platforms as their primary channels for information dissemination. This shift has heightened the prevalence of echo chambers—driven by platform algorithms—that expose users to one-sided information, contributing to political polarization. Furthermore, the media plays a critical role in shaping public attitudes, beliefs, and ideologies through framing and agenda-setting. Regardless of the factual nature of events, media outlets possess the capacity to distort or steer public perception in alignment with their political leanings. Thus, understanding the media as a political actor is essential to comprehending the roots and evolution of political conflict in contemporary Thai society.