Mia Farang on YouTube: (Re)defining Thai Womanhood in the Network Society

Authors

• Porranee Singpliam
• Treepon Kirdnark

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This paper examines the notion of mia farang amid the covid-19 pandemic. An analysis of mia farang YouTubers during this time reveals essential characteristics of the gendered and sexualized trope. Through Barker and Kuiper’s (2014) lens on the globalization process, we postulate that women’s voices during the peak of covid-19 became more political, namely with regard to their quality of life compared to that in Thailand. Further, we argue that our textual analysis on three mia farang YouTubers (Yai Nee, Yai Nang, and Yai Chompoo) shows how the space of flows is a possible site for political criticism and negotiation towards their sexualized, gendered, and ethnic selves. Next, we argue that stereotypical elements of mia farang become much more complex by both challenging and reifying the tropes. Lastly, we emphasize Castells’ (1999) notion of the space of flows still dominated by structure of the capitalist society as endorsed by the economy of YouTube.

DOI

10.1163/26659077-20242705

First Page

1

Last Page

18

Recommended Citation

Singpliam, Porranee and Kirdnark, Treepon (2024) "Mia Farang on YouTube: (Re)defining Thai Womanhood in the Network Society," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 27: No. 1, Article 20.
DOI: 10.1163/26659077-20242705
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol27/iss1/20