Political Communication to Maintain Political Power of General Prayut Chan-O-Cha

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the message General Prayut Chan-o-cha communicated through the “Returning Happiness to the People” and the “King’s Science and Sustainable Development” TV programs between 2014 - 2019 to maintain his government political power. The research is qualitative, and the data was obtained by analyzing documents and findings for compatibility in accordance with the purpose.

            The study showed that the message General Prayut Chan-o-cha used on the TV programs between those years could be separated into 3 aspects; 1. Economic aspect which is boosting investor confidence, reporting economic growth, presenting economic promotion policies and promoting grassroots economy; 2. Political aspect which is political reform, conflict resolution, promoting good governance and campaigning for referendum and election; 3. Social aspect which is honoring the monarchy, honoring people who contribute to society; praising people who have won international competitions and social organization. The communication of these issues is to claim moral justification in maintaining his government’s political power which he has gotten from the Coup d'état.