Young Thais say political divide has caused conflict with their parents

The ongoing political protests have led to a new, raw divide in Thailand with a split between a younger generation demanding democracy and an older generation trying to protect Thailand’s Monarchy.

Student-led protests continue to call for reform of the government and the country’s monarchy. They’ve spoken up about topics considered “unprecedented” in Thai society. Royalists, generally an older generation, have shot back and held rallies to show their support for the Thai Head of State, demanding the pro-democracy protesters to stop “insulting” the monarchy.

The political climate has even caused a rift between families. 3 women shared their stories on Thisrupt, a news website which describes itself as a platform “creating provocative stories to inspire people to stand up and speak out for rights, liberty and equality.”

A 26 year old woman said her father sees her as “the enemy.” She became more interested in politics during her university years and her father would say her teachers “brainwashed” her.

Another 26 year old woman says her mother threatened to kill her following a heated argument over the pro-democracy protests. She was about to head out to a rally at the Ladprao intersection when she and her mother got into an argument. It got to the point that her mother picked up a knife and threatened to kill her, she says.

An 18 year old high school student grew up in a conservative, royalist household, but she left home due to arguments with her parents over politics. She met people from different backgrounds while attending boarding school and also learned about political views on Twitter.

Click HERE to read the 3 narratives on Thisrupt.

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