POLITICS - A YEAR OF TURMOIL AND TRANSITION

Regional dynamics exacerbate domestic problems, resulting in two prime ministers in just a year, writes Aekarach Sattaburuth

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A protester holds a sign denouncing Cambodia's claim on Prasat Ta Muen Thom along the Thai-Cambodia border. Patriotism ran high during the latest outbreak of border conflict.

(PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL)

The political situation in 2025 was marked by conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, escalating into armed clashes. Domestically, Thailand experienced two changes of government before parliament was dissolved in preparation for the Feb 8, 2026 election. It has been a turbulent political year throughout.

One of the hottest political issues this year is the clashes along the Thai-Cambodia border, which has brought relations between the neighbouring countries to their most fragile point in recent history.

Tensions between the two countries first rose around the start of the year, and it has since escalated into a full-blown armed conflict, with nationalist sentiments rising on both sides, leading to several military confrontations and a serious diplomatic fallout.

Back in February, a group of Cambodian tourists were spotted singing the Cambodian national anthem in Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin. As the temple lies in an area claimed by both countries, Thai authorities in the area ordered the tourists to stop prompting Cambodia to accuse Thailand of violating their freedom of expression.

Although the incident was relatively minor, it fuelled nationalist sentiments on both sides of the border.

The situation further escalated in late May, when Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged gunfire in Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani. The fighting broke out after Thai forces spotted Cambodian troops digging trenches in the disputed area, leading to an exchange of fire that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

The Thai government insisted its soldiers carried out the attack in retaliation after they were shot at by Cambodian soldiers, pushing bilateral tensions to a new low.