Misunderstood Differences: Perception, Media, and Out-Group Animosity in Thailand

Tanisa Tawichsri, Thiti Tosborvorn, Suparit Suwanik, Boontida Sa-ngimnet and Chonnakan Rittinon

No 194, PIER Discussion Papers from Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research

Abstract: In politically divided environments like Thailand, affective polarization (AP) and social distrust threaten democratic stability and hinder consensus-building. Using an original survey (N = 2,016) conducted in 2021 during intense political turmoil, we examine how perceived ideological differences and media consumption shape AP. Our findings show that perceived—rather than actual—ideological differences drive out-group animosity, affecting trust in policymaking, political discourse, and attitudes toward justice. We also highlight the role of echo chambers created by the consumption of one-sided media that exaggerates polarization and amplifies hostility toward the out-group.

Keywords: Perceived polarization; Affective polarization; Partisan media; Echo chamber (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D72 D74 P48 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 40 pages
Date: 2022-12, Revised 2025-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-pol and nep-sea
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