Sino-Thai economic cooperation under bri in the eyes of Taiwanese and Chinese media : A comparative study from 2017 to 2024

Title: Sino-Thai economic cooperation under bri in the eyes of Taiwanese and Chinese media : A comparative study from 2017 to 2024

Author: Chun-tsung Yang

Year: 2024

Keywords: Sino-Thai, Taiwan, Belt and Road, Media Framing

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Development Management

Advisor(s): Pitch Pongsawat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study investigates how Chinese and Taiwanese media construct narratives around Sino-Thai economic cooperation, focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through a comparative content analysis of 20 primary articles and 30 supplementary articles from People's Daily Online, The Paper, United Daily News (UDN), and Central News Agency (CNA), the research explores differences in thematic focus, narrative frames, sentiment tone, source attribution, and visual representation. Findings reveal that Chinese state media consistently employ centralized, development-focused frames with minimal dissent. In contrast, Taiwanese media, particularly CNA, offer more pluralistic and skeptical coverage, especially regarding Thai social responses to Sino-Thai economic and further cooperation. UDN presents a hybrid model, aligning with Chinese frames in its main coverage while allowing subtle variation in supplementary content. This research contributes to media systems theory and framing analysis by demonstrating how political context shapes international media narratives. It further highlights the importance of editorial independence in shaping public understanding of development cooperation and geopolitical alignment

Beyond the 'grand line' : One piece’s radical reimagining of global politics

Title: Beyond the 'grand line' : One piece’s radical reimagining of global politics

Author: Titipong Mahattanasin

Year: 2024

Keywords: One Piece, Global Politics, Radical Imagination, International Relations, Power, Freedom, Justice, Environmental Justice, Protest Movements

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Post-development

Advisor(s): Soravis Jayanama

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis explores how the long-running Japanese manga One Piece functions as a radical political archive that reflects, critiques, and reimagines global politics across three historical eras. Drawing from the fields of International Relations and Development Studies, this research analyzes how the manga stages fictional yet deeply resonant struggles over power, freedom, and justice. Through close readings of key narrative arcs—Alabasta, Skypiea, Enies Lobby, Marineford, Dressrosa, and Wano—this study situates One Piece within real-world political contexts including post–Cold War liberal triumphalism, the global War on Terror, and the protest movements of the 2010s. The thesis draws upon theoretical insights from thinkers such as Bleiker, Weldes and Rowley while integrating contemporary critiques from Collette Shade, Vincent Bevins and Tom Rockmore. In tracing how characters navigate imperialism, authoritarianism, neoliberal exploitation, and environmental injustice, the thesis reveals how One Piece fosters a form of radical imagination that challenges the “End of History” narrative. Ultimately, this research contributes to the study of political storytelling by demonstrating how global popular culture can animate theoretical debate and expand the imaginative boundaries of political discourse

China's Framing Strategy in Constructing the Socio-Cultural Pillar of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC)

Title: China's Framing Strategy in Constructing the Socio-Cultural Pillar of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC)

Author: Mr.Haosheng Duan

Year: 2023

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Development Management

Advisor(s): Pongphisoot Busbarat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This dissertation explores China's strategic engagement through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), focusing on the construction and effectiveness of the LMC's Third Pillar, Social, Cultural, and People-to-People Exchanges, in fostering an LMC identity. In short, this China-led institutional arrangement aims to build regionalism and regionalization among the riparian countries. This dissertation uses a constructivist framing theory and qualitative research methods to conduct the research. This research discusses the design and implementation of the third-pillar construction. Furthermore, LMC's cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation are adopted as the case analysis to illustrate China's framing strategies in the third-pillar construction. As a result, this dissertation identified the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the LMC's Third Pillar and its relevant framing strategies in cultivating the collective identity. In conclusion, this dissertation has raised some policy recommendations for improving third-pillar construction in the future

A study of Covid-19 crisis communication in Myanmar (January 2020-January 2021) : Divergences between ministry of health and sports and state counsellor

Title: A study of Covid-19 crisis communication in Myanmar (January 2020-January 2021) : Divergences between ministry of health and sports and state counsellor

Author: Aye Pa Pa Moe

Year: 2021

Keywords: Crisis Communication, Myanmar, Covid-19, Pandemic, Infodemic

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Disaster and Crisis Management, Health, Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Balazs Szanto

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Effective crisis communication is critical in a country like Myanmar, which has a vulnerable population and a newly democratically elected government. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Myanmar's government established multi communication channels to interact directly with its citizens and other actors, including government agencies, allowing for active stakeholder participation in crisis management. The purpose of this research is to identify the Myanmar government's crisis communication strategy in managing the COVID issue at the national level from January 2020 to January 2021. The study will take a three-stage approach to crisis management, with pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis stages. It also explored Myanmar's government's public relations activities and its communication efforts during the COVID-19 crisis (first wave and second wave). The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the Myanmar government to embrace or increase their use of digital platforms. The paper explores how, in reaction to the COVID infodemic, the Myanmar government used both traditional and new media—specifically, social media—to its advantage during the pandemic. Furthermore, the study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of Myanmar's crisis communication and management strategies, as well as the lessons learned and issues encountered in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The study employs a qualitative case study methodology with an explanatory approach because the government crisis communication in Myanmar has never been thoroughly investigated. Study analysis is based on document research and primary data of artefacts (the communication avenues) that reflected government work during COVID. The paper evaluates the Myanmar government's policies and frameworks, as well as its crisis communication strategy and model, from the COVID-19 crisis to January 2021.

Thailand as a performative state : An analysis of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy towards the people’s republic of China /

Title: Thailand as a performative state : An analysis of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy towards the people’s republic of China /

Author: Mr.Natdanai Kietigaroon

Year: 2020

Keywords: Chineseness, Performative State, Chinese communities, International, Relations, Cultural Diplomacy

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Pongphisoot Busbarat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand as a performative state is a research that looked at the cultural dimensions of Thailand’s diplomacy, by taking the alternative view on Thai cultural diplomacy towards PRC. Thai cultural diplomacy, according to existing literature, revolves around promoting Thainess. However, in the case of China, Thailand has been using Chineseness as Thai cultural diplomacy. The research specifically looked at five Thai state actors that are most involved with Chineseness, namely, the royal family, the government, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Two questions were raised in this research. Firstly, how Chineseness is being used in Thai cultural diplomacy, where the research will lay out events, initiatives, speeches, etc. from the Thai state, that constitute as Chineseness. The research, then, categorizes how Chineseness is being promoted by the Thai State actors, by analyzing the initiatives as Old Chineseness as portrayed by Sampheng Chinese community or New Chineseness as portrayed by Huai Khwang Chinese community, two largest, yet, very distinctive Chinese communities in Bangkok. Findings show that Old Chineseness is portrayed more across all five Thai state actors.Consequently, the question of why does the Thai State use Sampheng Chineseness in Thai cultural diplomacy is asked, which will throw light on why the Old Chineseness, portrayed by old Chinese communities in Thailand like Sampheng, is still represented in Thai cultural diplomacy, even more than the new and modern-day Sino-centric Chineseness, that is more attached to the present-day PRC. The findings proved that Old Chineseness is used more because of the assimilated Sampheng Chinese community and how they have integrated into Thai society, Chinese state’s influence over Thai cultural diplomacy, and the royal family’s personal interests in Chineseness.

Community radio and empowerment in human rights of Shan migrant workers : Case study of map radio in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Title: Community radio and empowerment in human rights of Shan migrant workers : Case study of map radio in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Author: Satomi Aso

Year: 2014

Keywords: COMMUNITY RADIO / EMPOWERMENT / MIGRANT

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Migration, Human Rights, Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Pirongrong Ramasoota

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: As human development has gained huge attention in international development projects by aid agencies, community radio started to attract the attention of aid agencies as plausible tools for enhancing human development worldwide. In Thailand, a magnetic destination for migrants from the neighboring countries, such as Burma, Cambodia and Laos, migrant workers easily become targets of exploitation due to the ineffective legal system to protect their rights. In this particular situation, some community radio stations play a critical role as information source and social-networking medium for underprivileged and disenfranchised migrant workers in Thai society. The focus of this research is on the empowerment in human rights through community radio. This qualitative research uses a case-study approach through the migrant community radio, named MAP Radio, broadcasting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The researcher has conducted in-depth interviews with key informants of MAP Radio and focus-group interviews with Shan migrant workers who are regular MAP Radio listeners. This research aims to examine how the empowerment of human rights is formed through the community radio for the socially vulnerable Shan migrant workers in northern Thailand. The finding has revealed that participation and involvement of the migrant workers in the community radio production process- enhances the empowerment level as well as the community empowerment

Challenges of the press freedom to private news media in Myanmar

Title: Challenges of the press freedom to private news media in Myanmar

Author: Ohnmar Nyunt

Year: 2014

Keywords: REFORMATION / PRESS FREEDOM / MEDIA REFORM / MYANMAR

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Civil society and Democracy, Human Rights

Advisor(s): Pirongrong Ramasoota, advisor, Michael George Hayes, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The role of media, as "the fourth pillar" of the nation is important for country's reformation process. Media freedom (press freedom) in Myanmar got improved when reformation started in 2011. Censorship board was eliminated; a number of imprisoned bloggers and journalists were released; private daily papers are permitted to publish; some political opinions or comments are allowed in the publications. Although reformation in Myanmar gives lots of freedom to press, but there are still many limitations such as lawsuit pressures, charges, editorial control, difficulty in accessing the information. Media personnel are still facing with several challenges during this transition period in Myanmar. Since the time censorship board was abolished in 2012, the exercising of responsible editorial control is posed as a challenge for media professionals. Accessing the information is also still a challenge for the journalists in Myanmar even though changes took place since 2011. Media houses in Myanmar are also facing with difficulties in capacities in terms of human resource and finance resource capacities. Qualitative research in terms of in-depth interviews (structural and semi-structural interview), background history, case studies and document research were conducted to study the situation of press freedom in the country. The concept of this research is to examine the extent of press freedom in Myanmar during the transition period by observing recent changes and assessing the challenges that private news media are trying to cope with. This paper will argue about the control of press freedom is a constraint for the ongoing democratic reformation of the country

Peace jounalism in Thailand : a case study of Issara News Centre of the Thai Journalists Association

Title: Peace jounalism in Thailand : a case study of Issara News Centre of the Thai Journalists Association

Author: Supapohn Kanwerayotin

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Puangthong Pawakapan

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In response to criticisms that the vernacular media made violence in southern Thailand worse through its war-journalism type of reporting, the Thai Journalist Association launched a peace journalism trial called Issara News Centre (INC). The INC aimed at bringing together reporters from Bangkok and the south to produce stories that give context to the complex conflict, get voices of stake holders other than the authority across, including the villagers. The TJA hoped that INC would help bring about empathy required for peaceful transformation of the conflict, at the time when the Thai public opinion was dangerously swaying toward tit-for tat type of solution. The research questions are whether the INC coverage conformed with peace journalism framework and how the mainstream media responded to the INC project, as well as factors influencing the strength and weakness of the INC. To arrive at the findings, the student conducted document analysis using Johan Galtung's peace journalism framework of the coverage of a violent incident at Tanyonglimo by the INC in comparison to that by mass circulation Thai Rath and Matichon newspaper. Interviews and participatory observation also formed substaintal parts of the research activities. The findings are that while Thai Rath employs war journalism method in its coverage, the INC applied peace journalism approach and Matichon showed inclination for peace journalism. Comparing the output of INC during two violent incidents in September 2005, and May 2006 pointed to human resource, capacity and commitment by national newspapers to the peace journalism trial as issues determining the strength and weakness as well as sustainability of the INC which represents peace journalism undertaking in Thailand

Do American newspapers represent democratic values : the case of Southern border provinces in Thailand

Title: Do American newspapers represent democratic values : the case of Southern border provinces in Thailand

Author: Bryce Seaman Smedley

Year: 2006

Keywords: N/A

Themes: Public Sphere and Media, Civil society and Democracy, Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Advisor(s): Thitinan Pongsudhirak

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the issue of media representations of reality, and analyzes the case of violence in Southern Thailand as an example of the manner in which the American media may be misrepresenting reality in its portrayal of global political events. The critical and other empirical reference sources used have been referenced and analyzed to create a theoretical framework within which to understand the media's response to the insurgency in Thailand. The study presents an overview of media effects and other theories to form the analytical framework, with special focus on theories referring to the anthoritarian, the libertarian, and the social construction of reality. The study also outlines the current political climate with reference to the interactions between the U.S. and Thailand. The impact of the media on politics and policy-making has also been examined. The media's relationship to the state, the media's influence on foreign policies, and the monopolistic nature of the U.S. media are also explored. The study characterizes the American media's response to the insurgency in Thailand by means of select articles from the three periodicals chosen for analysis-the International Herald Tribune, the Washington Post, and the Asian Wall Street Journal. Passages from these articles are analyzed within the conceptual framework of media responsibility theories, with special reference to the media's highlighting of the religious aspects of the violence. It is hypothesized that there seems to be an ideological bias on the part of many American journalists. The study draws the conclusion that the representation of international events by the media seems to be dependent on political ideologies rather than objective aproaches to political events, and that consequently there is a need for media representations and interpretations to be depoliticized