How it started:
In 2025, my colleague and I began collaborating on research with Duangtip (Mafang), an organizer with Feminist Liberates Front Mekong-Chi-Mun (aka, "Feminist Pla Daek"). After interviewing a number of pro-democracy activists based in Northeast Thailand, we worked with the German magazine südostasien to publish an article, "Masculinity in Movement." (https://suedostasien.net/maskulinitaet-in-bewegung/)
Expanding the project:
Our article caught the attention of one of the magazine editors, who invited us to expand our reseaerch and contribute to a book series that he and his colleagues were proposing with Edinburgh University Press. We have since also been invited to speak on a panel at EuroSEAS in Madrid, Spain this September (2026). See the panel, including our abstract, here: https://euroseas2026.org/panels/comparative-identities-and-repertoires-of-contention-among-youth-movements-mobilizing-amidst-rising-authoritarianism-in-south-ea
Crowdfunding for Mafang:
While my colleague and I are able to request monetary support from our university, Mafang is not affiliated with the university and does not have institutional support to attend the conference. Yet it is so important to us to have her with us to experience this amazing opportunity, as well as to represent the grassroots Thai perspective as we take part on the panel. This is why we have decided to start a crowdfunding campaign. If you are able and willing, we would love it if you became a part of our journey to Madrid and our research project by donating any small amount to our cause.
Expected Budget:
Round-trip flight from Thailand to Madrid: 950 Euros
Conference registration and membership fee: 150 Euros
Round-trip travel expenses from Khon Kaen to Bangkok for visa application: 132 Euros
Visa Application Fee: 80 Euros
Accomodations in Madrid: 150 Euros
Food and transportation expenses in Madrid: 250 Euros
= 1,712 Euros (about 65,000 THB)