People's Perceptions on The Application of ''Thailand's Reform'' Concept as The Legitimation of The NCPO (2014-2016)

Abstract

This paper investigates an incorporation of the ''Thailand's Reform'' concept into the NCPO legitimation process by examining (a) how the anti-coup activists and viewers challenged the concept and (b) how the NCPO supporters perceived the concept. This study is based on a qualitative method which consists of a documentary study and in-depth interviews. The informants included seven people who expressed discontent and disagreement with the 2014 coup in public symbolically and seven people who supported the 2014 coup and advocated policies made by the NCPO. This study found that the NCPO supporters viewed the ''Thailand's Reform'' concept as a solution to enduring political conflicts and as a vision towards an eradication of corruption. In their opinion, the government's public relations programs operated under the ''Thailand's Reform'' concept made people understand how the NCPO was strived to push forward the country. In contrast, the anti-coup supporters criticized the uses of the ''Thailand's Reform'' discourse while the making and advocacy of the concept was to serve as a legitimation tool of the NCPO regime and order.

Key Words:  NCPO; Legitimation; Thailand's Reform