The rise of a new nationalism among Thailand’s younger generation

[buksida]

Wasn't sure whether to post this in the 'scourge of social media' thread or not.

When discussing nationalism in the Thai context, most people will think of conservative movements like the Yellow Shirts and other ultra-royalist groups, but what about the new Thai nationalism among the younger generation where the concept of “Nation” is more fluid?

Intentionally or not, a nationalist trend has recently been fostered among Thai netizens. This trend includes phenomena such as the emergence of the Milk Tea Alliance, xenophobia (particularly against labour from neighbouring countries), disputes over cultural claims with Cambodian netizens, or the Thai-Filipino transgender clash at Sukhumvit Soi 11.

How has this new wave of nationalism on online platforms arisen? Why does this type of content go viral so easily? In addition, why are so many in the younger generations with progressive ideas drawn to this trend?

Different definitions of “nation”
In Thailand, nationalism is often portrayed as the opposite of cosmopolitanism. It is typically associated with conservative movements, such as the People's Alliance for Democracy, known as the Yellow Shirt movement or other ultra-royalist groups that oppose democratic principles and human rights. Their nationalism is centred around the core institutions of the nation, particularly the monarchy.

This movement has often been labelled “salim”.

Salim is the word for a Thai dessert but in this context, it is a contemporary political slang term referring to the right-wing middle class who are sceptical of democracy and elected politicians, and who favour military involvement in politics.

Nationalism is not confined solely to conservative groups but is also embraced by progressive groups who are generally perceived as being aloof from nationalism but who also exhibit nationalism, albeit in a different way.

However, the new Thai nationalist movement on online platforms is far away from the ideology of the salim. Tinnaphop Sinsomboonthong, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, Thammasat University, said the definition of salim extends beyond nationalism. According to Tinnaphop, a salim upholds three key elements: depoliticisation, inequality, and opposition to democratic political institutions.

For progressives, the concept of "nation" lies with the people. But, “the people” in this context are defined as only those who support democratic and human rights principles, use “woke” language, and uphold political correctness.

New actor in nationalism
The main factor contributing to the changing face of nationalism in the modern era is the change in who propagates it. Nationalism is no longer monopolised by the state; individuals and netizens now play a significant role.

“In short, does nationalism disappear? The answer is no—it always persists. What is different from before is the actors spreading nationalism, which before was the state but are now cultural elements,” remarked Tinnaphop.

Within the progressive nationalist movement in Thailand, Tinnaphop elaborated that nationalism can be categorised into three subgroups:

extreme nationalists, who campaign, for instance, to reclaim a cultural heritage from Cambodia;
anti-Bangkok-centric groups, which advocate for a national identity that includes ethnic groups, such as Lanna and Malayu;
regionalists, who embrace global citizenship.

The most explicit example of a progressive nationalist movement was the emergence of the Milk Tea Alliance in 2020. It was initially a war between Thais and nationalist mainland Chinese netizens but the Thais were supported by anti-Beijing individuals in Hong Kong and Taiwan and this evolved into a loosely connected network of pro-democracy young people across Asia.

Thai milk tea represents a sign that Thai nationhood has persisted. Milk tea, a popular drink across several countries, has become a form of cultural representation. The recognisable orange Thai milk tea was used as a symbol of Thai identity and pride. It also reflects a sense of belonging to the international community.

https://prachataienglish.com/node/11251