New Normal Life Culture in The Social: A Case Study from Contemporary Thai Short Stories

Abstract

This research article aims to study the presentation of the “new normal” culture emerging in Thai society, as depicted in 10 short stories from the book “Sathan Na Karn Mai Pokati” (Place in an Abnormal Time) and 2 short stories with accompanying pictures in an ad hoc publication of the magazine “A Day”, Year 21, Issue 241, September 2020. The findings reveal that the new normal culture influenced life during the COVID-19 outbreaks, inspiring the authors to portray, through these short stories, lifestyles before and after the emergence of this cultural shifte. The authors use storytelling techniques to present themes of haunting, fear, despair, nostalgia, nature’s reclaiming of justice, and- the adaptation to a new normal lifestyle during the COVID-19 era.-The stories also critique capitalist and consumerist societies, as well as the effects of globalization on urban life. The authors view of the new normal culture reflects concepts of discipline, and control over individuals by governments and public health authorities, conveyed through discourse on health, illness, and injury. Another focus is on class disparity and individualism, explored through short stories that serve as study data.