Young Activists: Strategies for Mobilizing Support in the Smog Movement in Chiang Mai Province
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Abstract
The smog crisis in Chiang Mai represents a complex environmental problem with widespread impacts, leading to various forms of social movements, particularly among young activists who have played a prominent role in driving this issue through the utilization of digital technology and collaborative network building. This research aims to study the roles and support mobilization strategies of young activists in driving the smog movement, under the concept of resource mobilization, political opportunity structures, framing processes, new social movement theory, and youth movements serve as the main focus of this study. This research employed a qualitative research methodology, collecting data through in-depth interviews with both young and pioneering activists, along with documentary research and non-participant observation. The findings reflect a significant transition in Thai social movements. Young activists have developed diverse roles under the “CLARITY” framework, ranging from creating new participatory spaces to transforming discourse. Meanwhile, support mobilization strategies under the “OWNERSHIP” framework focus on fostering public ownership of the problem through integration of empirical data and creative communication. Additionally, the study reveals interesting dynamics between activists of different generations who, despite differences in thinking and working methods, have developed cross-generational learning mechanisms that enable the integration of each group’s strengths, resulting in movements that effectively respond to challenges in contemporary Thai society.
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