The Unfolding of Intergenerational Political Conflict: Post-2020-2021 Youth Protests in Thailand

Abstract

A significant phenomenon during Thailand’s youth-led political protests in 2020-2021 was the emergence of intergenerational political conflict at a family level. This article examines the trajectory of this phenomenon, specifically assessing whether intergenerational tensions that arose during the demonstrations persisted after the protests ended, dissipated entirely, or underwent substantive transformation. To address these questions, the study employs a mixed-methods research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches, incorporating survey questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and participatory workshop activities based on the framework of “civic imagination.” Drawing on empirical findings, this research demonstrates that following the conclusion of youth-led political protests in late 2021, intergenerational political conflict, particularly at the household level, gradually subsided while intergenerational political cooperation began to expand. To analyze the causes and origins of this phenomenon, this study employs four analytical frameworks explaining the determinants of intergenerational conflict: first, the personalization of multi-dimensional exclusions; second, problem issues of the future—such as environmental and educational concerns—that adults overlook; third, the formation of youth political institutions; and fourth, autocratic gerontocratic regimes. The analysis identifies three critical conditions that facilitated the resolution of intergenerational political conflict. First, a transformation among older adults from exclusionary attitudes toward embracing youth concerns and accepting the political role of liberal youth. Second, the adaptation of political institutions and movements of liberal youth—shifting from an exclusive focus on “liberal youth” solidarity to “liberal politics across generations” and from “confrontational protest” to “multi-dimensional political participation.” Third, the failure and diminished role of the conservative elderly-led government, leaving older conservatives with no alternative but to align with younger generations and political parties representing youth interests as political allies against opposing political forces.