by PhilRights Staff
Audiences gathered for a free screening of Breaking the Cycle, a powerful documentary by directors Aekaphong Saransate and Thanakrit Duangmaneeporn that traces the rise and fall of Thailand’s pro-democracy movement. The screening was held at the Gateway Cineplex in early October as part of DAKILA’s Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival.
The film intricately captures the emergence of the Future Forward Party and its charismatic leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, as he and his allies fought to break Thailand’s relentless cycle of military coups and political setbacks. With its raw portrayal of generational struggles, political courage, and the power of grassroots activism, the documentary found an immediate resonance among Filipino viewers, many of whom saw parallels between Thailand’s history and the Philippines’ ongoing battle for democracy and accountability.
Future Forward: A Journey of Hope and Betrayal
The documentary chronicles how the Future Forward Party was formed in the aftermath of the 2014 military coup, boldly challenging the deeply entrenched military establishment. Thanathorn, a wealthy and dynamic young businessman, inspired hope among the youth, successfully positioning his party as a beacon for change in the 2019 general elections. The film also captures the crushing blow that came next: the Constitutional Court’s disqualification of Thanathorn and the subsequent dissolution of his party. The narrative extends further into the 2023 elections, which saw Move Forward, Future Forward’s successor party, win a landslide victory only to be blocked from forming a government due to legal maneuvers and political machinations.
Through intimate interviews and on-the-ground footage, Breaking the Cycle not only reveals the systemic hurdles faced by pro-democracy advocates but also brings to light the broader implications of these struggles for Southeast Asia. In a region where political instability and authoritarian tendencies often dominate, Thailand’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration for neighboring countries, including the Philippines.
“These changes build over time, starting with small, seemingly imperceptible shifts, as people gain ideas, grow in courage, and eventually fight for their rights and what they believe is just in society.”
The Talkback: Breaking Cycles, Imagining New Futures
Following the screening, an engaging talkback session ensued, titled Espekulasyon, featuring Prof. Nymia Pimentel Simbulan, Chairperson of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) and Executive Director of PhilRights; Atty. Tony La Viña, Founding President of the Movement Against Disinformation; Ferdinand Sanchez, President of Tara Kabataan; Karel Jiaan Antonio Galang, Program Officer of the Asia Democracy Network; and Hannah Jimala, Membership and Community Engagement Director of DAKILA. The discussion delved deeply into how Filipinos can learn from Thailand’s political experience and apply these lessons to the local context.
Prof. Simbulan set the tone of the talkback by highlighting the importance of sustained efforts for social change and the role of the youth in making these changes happen. “What struck me is the idea of a united people that cuts across various classes and sectors can really bring about change. But the change that translates into action — like voting for a progressive individual or political party — doesn’t happen overnight,” she emphasized. “These changes build over time, starting with small, seemingly imperceptible shifts, as people gain ideas, grow in courage, and eventually fight for their rights and what they believe is just in society.” Prof. Simbulan’s remarks resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom see the current state of Philippine politics as an echo of the frustration and disillusionment portrayed in the documentary.
Atty. La Viña further elaborated on the need for the Filipino public to understand how military-backed laws and judicial interventions can stifle democratic progress. “In the Philippines, our cycle might not involve coups, but it’s characterized by worsening political dynasties and vote-buying practices,” he observed. He stressed that breaking the cycle in the Philippines involves challenging these entrenched political families, ensuring transparency, and fostering genuine grassroots participation. He also noted the urgent need for coalition-building among progressive groups. “We need to work together to gain more seats in the Senate and other legislative bodies. It can’t just be a few seats here and there. A strong, unified coalition is essential for breaking the dominance of traditional politics,” he asserted.
Karel Jiaan Antonio Galang provided insights on the political landscape in Thailand, mentioning the weaponization of Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code to silence dissent. “The youth are still active and collaborating, but the dominance of elite representation in politics remains a barrier. This is similar to the situation in the Philippines where political power is concentrated among a few families,” Galang noted.
Ferdinand Sanchez shared his experience with youth organizing, emphasizing that the youth need to look beyond national politics and engage at the local level as well. “We can’t just wait for big names to come along. We need to think small — engage in our own backyards and communities first. This is how we can break the cycle from the ground up,” he asserted.
Hannah Jimala stressed the need for creativity in engaging the youth. “The youth are dynamic. We need to find ways to connect with them in a way that resonates with their own experiences and struggles. Whether through art, community work, or school-based initiatives, we can create spaces for them to express their political aspirations.”
“Hope is an act of resistance”
Critical Reflections and Resonance with the Filipino Experience
The screening of Breaking the Cycle provided Filipino viewers with a reflective lens through which to view their own political landscape. For decades, the Philippines has grappled with its own cycles of corruption, political dynasties, and flawed electoral processes. Many in the audience drew comparisons between the fates of Thailand’s Future Forward and the reform-oriented movements in the Philippines, such as the struggle of progressive parties like the Makabayan bloc, Partido Lakas ng Masa, and the experiences of former Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign, which similarly faced disinformation and the dominance of entrenched political families.
Prof. Simbulan emphasized that social change, as seen during the People Power event in the Philippines, is a result of sustained efforts by various sectors over many years. “The transformations we aspire for are not products of overnight events, but the cumulative outcome of long-term conscientization and organizing of different sectors in society.” She reiterated that the youth must be empowered to take an active role in pushing for societal changes and expanding democratic spaces. “A conscientized and organized youth and student sector will be able to sustain itself,” she said, emphasizing the importance of bridging the youth with the broader sectors of society.
Looking Ahead: Can the Philippines Break the Cycle?
Breaking the Cycle leaves its audience with a powerful question: How can societies reclaim their democratic spaces and ensure that the voices of the people are truly heard? As the talkback concluded, there was a shared sense of resolve among the participants — a determination to prevent history from repeating itself in the Philippines.
“Hope is an act of resistance,” noted one of the youth participants, echoing the sentiments of both Prof. Simbulan and Atty. La Viña. This hope, however, is not merely about wishing for better leaders or outcomes, but about actively creating spaces where the youth and marginalized sectors can participate meaningfully in shaping the nation’s future. The screening and the discussion that followed were not just about observing Thailand’s struggles from afar but about understanding and committing to breaking the cycles of oppression in the Philippines.
