Breaking The Cycle captures the political awakening among Thais after the rise and fall of Thanathorn, a young politician who calls to end the cycle of coups d’etat. The film explores the 2019 election in Thailand, which marked the end of five years of full military rule and a new group of young politicians who campaign against an authoritarian constitution, sparking hope and a once-in-a-generation youth movement.

With less than 100 years of democracy, Thailand has endured a tumultuous history characterized by 13 successful coups d'état and 20 different constitutions. This instability has fostered a culture of fear, where openly expressing the belief that "the nation belongs to its people" has been considered taboo. However, in the wake of the 2014 military coup, a young politician named Thanathorn boldly proclaimed this sentiment and declared his mission to break the cycle of coups.

Thanathorn's stance resonated deeply with many Thai citizens, particularly the youth, who were tired of the political status quo and yearned for genuine democracy. This marked the beginning of an unprecedented movement led entirely by the younger generation, united in their determination to bring about meaningful change.

In a society where collective forgetfulness, often reinforced by those in power, threatens to obscure the lessons of the past, this documentary serves as a crucial tool for remembrance and historical preservation. Through this film, the hope is to inspire future generations to continue the fight for democracy and to ensure that the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before are never forgotten. It stands as a testament to the power of individuals to spark change and challenge entrenched systems of oppression.

Sponsor(s): Center for Southeast Asian Studies