Participatory Communication of the Children and Youth Council of Thailand and Potential Development of Thai Youth

Abstract

Abstract

           The objectives of this research were (1) to study the operation using participatory communication of the children and youth council of Thailand and (2) to study the potential development of Thai youth according to the participatory communication. Mixed methods were used for data collection. Qualitative data were collected from in-depth interviews with key informants who were the management team of the organization. It focused on the issue of participatory communication of the organization and the potential development in the perspective of the youth leaders. Quantitative data were collected from a questionnaire survey targeting youth participants who took part in activities held by the organization. Results from the survey were analyzed together with the management team using focus group discussion.

           The results showed that the Children and Youth Council of Thailand has used participatory communication to drive their work on children and youth in terms of policy. The organization's work process has been underpinned by equality and democratic freedom of expression. The outbreak of the COVID-19 has resulted in the adaptation of organization's communication style which leaned toward online platforms. In addition, the study also found several factors affecting participatory communication processes. They included (1) geographical factors, (2) qualifications and maturity factors, (3) personal relationships factors, and (4) knowledge and experience factors. For potential development through the participatory communication processes, most of the youth involved commented that their potential has been developed in three areas including (1) knowledge development, (2) behavior development, and (3) skill development.