A Study of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement Against Israel in Thailand’s Deep South

Abstract

This study examines the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel in Thailand’s Deep South. Initiated in 2005, the BDS campaign seeks to pressure Israel to end the occupation of Palestinian territories and halt human rights violations against Palestinians. Guided by a constructivist theoretical framework, the research analyzes how identities, norms, and local perceptions shape both the emergence and the limitations of BDS activism in the region. A qualitative methodology was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews with scholars, civil society actors, and content creators, along with document analysis and a review of public media.

The findings reveal that BDS activism in the Deep South remains limited and lacks continuity, often emerging only in response to major international events. Key constraints include low public awareness of the Israel–Palestine conflict, confusion surrounding products and services linked to Israel, the absence of strong local movement networks, and restrictive state policies. These findings indicate that the BDS movement in the Deep South has yet to develop into a sustained social force. Strengthening public knowledge, local networks, and supportive policy structures is essential to enhancing the continuity and long-term effectiveness of human-rights-based activism in the region.