Dissent from a Distance: Rising Political Activism of Young Thai Diasporas

In this paper published by the Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University, discusses the political activism of Thai diasporic youth.

The recent political upheavals in Thailand, including the collapse of the Future Forward Party, the ascendance of the Move Forward Party, and the youth-led protests of 2020–2021, have amplified the political activism of young overseas Thais. Motivated by perceived injustices within Thailand, a growing number of young, educated Thais have relocated abroad and engaged in political activism to expedite democratic change in their homeland. This study examines why young overseas Thais engage in political activism and the mechanisms through which they mobilise, focusing on their role as a political force despite their relatively small size. Based on the author's direct involvement with Thai diasporas from 2020 to 2024, it explores the strategies and actions these young activists have used, including forming organisations, launching campaigns, and utilising global communication platforms to enhance their visibility and political influence. Through this lens, the study also assesses the impact of their activism on Thai politics, arguing that while their direct influence remains constrained by structural barriers, their efforts have nonetheless garnered a degree of attention from both political factions in Thailand and international actors.