Chanapang "Natty" Pongpiboonkiat

Profile

Before my academic career, I spent more than ten years working across media industries in Thailand, from public relations to publishing and brand consultancy, for both local and international clients (Unilever, L'Oréal, Shiseido, Beiersdorf AG) and brand agencies. I also served full‑time in the military in the public relations department.

My academic research stems from a critical interest in the intersections of military institutions, media (particularly social media), and gender. My PhD research, fully funded by the PhD International Scholarship from the School of Media and Communication, investigates the construction of gendered military identities through the everyday experiences of Thai military women, as observed across both online and offline domains. Building upon this foundation, I am currently developing my first monograph and a series of peer-reviewed publications that examine the evolving dynamics of gendered militarism and militarisation in Thailand. These works explore the implications of the post-2014 military coup on active-duty military women, alongside the emergence of military influencers within Thailand’s digital landscape.

Research interests

I am interested in examining how social media platforms shape gender practices and identities, particularly within deeply militarised contexts in the Global South. This research seeks to conceptualise the notion of the “military influencer” in Thailand, situating it within the country’s broader digital influencer culture. It also explores how queer individuals are incorporated into military social media strategies, contributing to the online visibility and normalisation of militarism.

Qualifications

• PhD in Media and Communication, University of Leeds
• MA in International Communication, University of Leeds
• BA in Public Relations, Chulalongkorn University

Professional memberships

• Association of Southeast Asian Studies (ASEAS)
• British International Studies Association (BISA)
• Media, Communication and Cultural Studies Association (MeCCSA)
• Political Studies Association (PSA)

Student education

In 2025/2026, I led COMM2125 Visual Communication and runs seminars for COMM5310M Media, Culture and Globalisation.