Social Movements of The Student Group Called “New Democracy Movement”

Abstract

The study of Social Movements of The Student Group Called “New Democracy Movement” aims at 1) studying the conditions that led to the integration of a new democracy movement, 2) studying guidelines for the movement and operation of the group, and 3) studying the problems and obstacles in the group's operations. The research was undertaken based on the qualitative research comprising of documentary study, participant observation, in-depth interview. Data were verified through a triangular authentication method. Data analysis was made use of analytic induction methods, data interpretation and classification by using related concepts and theories.
The research found that student integration is conditioned based on both political and social aspects in which members of the group clearly support democracy. Their shared attitude is that the political system should be based on democratic political processes. The movement and operations stick with five main principles including democracy, justice, participation, human rights, and peaceful means. The external factors that became their problems and obstacles were the government and NCPO’s monitoring and controlling of their movement, and the attacking from opponents’ bogus information. The internal factors that made them difficulty to achieve their mission include inefficient English communication, the lack of colorful and creativity political activities, the shortage of mass support, unnecessary dependent on individual members’ ways of work, and the long-term problems of using online media.