Weapon of the masses: the role of satellite TV and its trajectory in Thailand’s political crisis during 2006 and 2014

Abstract

This study investigates the pivotal role of satellite television in shaping political discourse and mobilization in middle southern Thailand, a region perceived for its strong monarchical loyalty and Buddhist conservative ethos. Employing qualitative analysis of participant interviews and media content, this research examines how satellite television networks like ASTV and Blue Sky TV have influenced political engagement within the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) movements. The findings reveal that satellite television has actively shaped political engagement by deepening political awareness, mobilizing previously disengaged population segments, and fostering a communal identity that aligns with royal-nationalist sentiments. The study highlights the critical role of media technology in promoting narratives that reinforce traditional power and monarchist values, underscoring its continued significance in the context of southern Thailand. It aims to contribute to current media studies by illustrating how specific form of media technology can serve as a tool in shaping political campaigns and identity formation in the region where consumed by distinct cultural and ideological orientations.

Keywords

• Satellite TV
• discourse of good people
• political rallies in Thailand
• ASTV
• Blue Sky TV
• Asia Pacific Studies