Promoting Youth Political Engagement Through Serious Games: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Local Election Boardgame in Thailand

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of serious games in enhancing political engagement among youth through a quasi-experimental design. It compares traditional video-based education with an innovative tool, the “Local Election Boardgame,” which simulates local election processes. Conducted in two regions of Thailand, the North (Chiang Mai) and the South (Krabi), the research involved secondary school students aged 13–17, who were divided into control (video-based) and experimental (game-based) groups. Results showed that the board game format significantly increased participants’ enthusiasm, cognitive understanding, and political efficacy compared to traditional methods. Qualitative feedback from participants highlighted the game’s interactive and collaborative elements as key factors in fostering deeper engagement and practical understanding of democratic processes. These findings underscore the potential of serious games as an effective educational tool for promoting political participation, suggesting their broader applicability across diverse educational contexts.