In Thailand, April marks not only the eve of the traditional New Year but also heralds the onset of the exuberant celebrations of the Songkran Water Festival. Typically a time for familial reunions and festive gatherings, the year 2020 witnessed an unconventional spectacle unfold in the digital realm, igniting what would become the viral #MilkTeaAlliance hashtag on Twitter.
Originating from a seemingly innocuous retweet by Vachirawit Chivaaree, popularly known as Bright, a Thai celebrity, the Milk Tea Alliance swiftly transformed into a digital battleground between Thai and Chinese netizens over contentious issues surrounding China’s sovereignty, particularly concerning Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The Alliance symbolized a remarkable transnational coalition, uniting anti-government and anti-regime activists from Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, and later Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021. Despite its initial fervor, the prominence of the Milk Tea Alliance has gradually waned as political landscapes evolved and public attention shifted.
During its peak from 2020 to 2021, the Milk Tea Alliance transcended the digital realm, permeating offline spaces and influencing grassroots movements across the region. Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and Thailand incorporated Milk Tea Alliance motifs, leveraging its symbolism to amplify their causes. Similarly, the Spring Revolution in Myanmar saw immediate solidarity from Milk Tea Alliance netizens, underscoring its impact beyond virtual realms.
Despite its diminished visibility, dedicated activists persist in upholding the spirit of the Milk Tea Alliance. In Thailand, advocacy efforts continue through initiatives such as publications by Sam Yan Press, focusing on democracy, justice, and human rights. Additionally, online activism remains active, exemplified by the ‘MilkTeaAlliance Friends of Myanmar’ account, advocating for human rights in Myanmar.
While Hong Kong’s political climate has stifled overt displays of activism, a surprising resurgence of Milk Tea Alliance initiatives has emerged in Japan. Spearheaded by a diverse group of individuals, including residents from Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Thailand, the ‘Milk Tea Alliance – Japan’ seeks to bolster diaspora activism and promote regional democracy.
Despite its decline in public discourse, the Milk Tea Alliance endures as a symbol of transnational solidarity and grassroots activism. Its legacy underscores the significance of people-to-people connections in shaping regional politics and offers a fresh perspective on international relations in East and Southeast Asia. As activists continue to champion its ideals, the Milk Tea Alliance remains a testament to the enduring spirit of collective action and solidarity in pursuit of democracy and human rights.
