ABSTRACT
This chapter explores democratic movements in Thailand by tracing the development of anti-dictatorship mobilization after the May 2014 coup. While discussing evolving democracy movements in general, it focuses on the groups called Resistant Citizen and the New Democratic Movement, both of which became prominent in 2015 for their creative and subversive activities. Through participatory observation and documentary review of these movements' claims, framing strategies and repertoires, the chapter analyzes how the movements have sought to re-affirm and remake democratic principles of equality, accountability and liberal rights after the 2014 military coup. It discusses the nature of the politics of morality, and how it shapes understandings of democracy and consent for military rule among the Thai public. While the politics of morality blames politicians and people who voted for them for political problems, it views the monarchy and military as moral, legitimate political agents and rulers.
