Bridging the generation gap in Thailand
It's true what they say: you're never too old to learn new tricks. Just look at Thailand's latest crop of social media influencers: a group of savvy seniors using social media platforms to share their knowledge with the world.
For these older Thais, social media isn't just a way to stay connected with friends and family. It's also an opportunity to teach others about the things they're passionate about, whether it's gardening, cooking, or crafting. And their influence is growing: according to a recent study, users over the age of 60 are the fastest-growing demographic on social media in Thailand.
This new generation of over-60s influencers is proof that it's never too late to start something new. So whether you're looking for gardening tips or just some good old-fashioned wisdom, be sure to check out these inspiring seniors – they just might change the way you think about ageing.
But who are these new stars of social media?
Somsak Jiteurtragool wasn't always a social media star. Just a few years ago, he retired and lived a relatively quiet life in rural Thailand. But then he discovered YouTube – and everything changed.
He explains that his 600 seedlings, which cost just 27 baht when he planted them five years ago and may be worth up to 10,000 baht per plant in ten years, are proof of life.
Somsak, a retired headteacher from Thailand's central region, is not your typical social media star. His social media video on cultivating trees as an investment, which has been seen by almost 8,000 people, and his social media page focused on gardening, which was established six months ago already has over 900 followers.
Somsak Jiteurtragool
Somsak is one of about 50 people who participated in a digital training program for over-60s put on by the Thai Media Fund, a state body. The project's objective, which will soon accept fresh participants, is to assist Thailand's rapidly ageing population use social media more effectively and producing their material.
According to Somsak, most Thai people are already using social media, but they do not consider themselves creators of content. "As older generations, we should get up and give it a try," he adds. “Do something you enjoy; offer something you're passionate about.” “Our culture may be beneficial to society. The younger generation can learn from us,” he adds.
According to a study by DataReportal and the creative agency We Are Social, about 78% of Thailand's population is online, with a figure of nearly three hours per day spent on social media in 2021.
What are the differences between seniors vs GenZ on social media platforms?
Older people, on the other hand, have different online perils. While online bullying and internet addiction are the most significant issues affecting young people in Thailand when it comes to social media use, older generations are more susceptible to fraud and misinformation, according to Dhanakorn. “They might be persuaded to embrace some form of fraudulent news about vaccines, for example, that it might have an impact on their health… or some false news about a particular diet or nutrition supplement that may harm their actual health and cause them to lose a lot of money.”
The Thai Media Fund’s initiative, in collaboration with universities, partnered participants with university students who assisted with the technical knowledge needed to create an online presence, such as video editing. Participants established internet sites with information about their areas of expertise, from learning English to advise on caring for autistic children. Grandad in Ubon Ratchathani created a YouTube chatshow with his grandson in Bangkok to keep in touch even though they live hundreds of miles apart.
Suksuthamwong Nadrda
Suksuthamwong Nadrda, 61, a personal trainer and fitness influencer who took the course, says it helped her figure out how to better illustrate and cut her videos. She has maintained a YouTube channel for 10 years and has nearly 68,000 subscribers on TikTok. “My children are in their 30s, and they tell their friends that my mother is a TikTok star,” she says. The shuffle dance craze is prevalent in her videos, as well as fitness advice. “I believe our livelihood comes from working; therefore I don't think of retiring at all,” she adds.
“Older individuals are hesitant to create online content because they are concerned about making errors,” says Pauline. “They don't want to be compared to others, and as a result, their confidence evaporates. They dare not put themselves in the media for fear of appearing inferior.”
Some participants were hesitant to appear on screen, according to Pojai Poonnat, one of the project's directors. “They're afraid that people will make fun of them for how they look or how they act in front of the camera,” she explains. Alternatives such as voice-over recordings were suggested by trainers.
Somsak wasn't apprehensive about giving a speech as a former head teacher. He believes environmental conservation was an issue he championed while at school, and now he wants to pass on the same ideas to his generation. “They have time, and some of them have property,” he explains.
He films a short movie every morning while out in the garden, which he spends around 30 minutes editing later that evening when he's ready to publish the next day. Somsak isn't concerned with his follower count or the number of likes. “I let it go as it comes,” he explains. “They can join if they enjoy the same things as me.”
“I was very pleased with my work and satisfied being busy during my official career before retiring,” he adds. He now says that social media has become his new classroom.
It is now more important than ever for different generations to stay connected. Social media provides a way for people of all ages to interact and learn from one another. What started out as a way for young people to connect with friends has become a powerful tool for intergenerational dialogue.
Do you think social media can help bridge the generation gap? Let us know in the comments