Escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border area led to significant political developments

Escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border area led to significant political developments. On June 26, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen conducted separate visits to their respective sides of the contentious border.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn visited the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, opposite Cambodia’s Poipet. Accompanied by ministers and military personnel, she assessed the impact of border restrictions, which had halted all vehicles, tourists, and traders from crossing into Cambodia. Paetongtarn emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting national sovereignty while seeking peaceful resolutions to the conflict.

Concurrently, Hun Sen visited Cambodian armed forces stationed along the border in Oddar Meanchey province, adjacent to Thailand’s Surin province. In military fatigues, he met with officials and troops, underscoring Cambodia’s readiness to defend its territory. Hun Sen’s visit aimed to bolster morale and demonstrate solidarity with the military amid rising tensions.

The border dispute intensified following a May 28 incident where a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish with Thai forces. Both nations accused each other of instigating the violence, leading to retaliatory measures such as troop mobilizations and trade restrictions. The situation further deteriorated with the leak of a private phone call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen on June 15. In the conversation, Paetongtarn criticized a Thai military commander and sought Hun Sen’s support, actions that sparked public outrage and political turmoil in Thailand.

In response to the leaked call, thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok demanding Paetongtarn’s resignation. The Constitutional Court suspended her from duty pending an ethics investigation, marking a significant blow to her government. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit assumed the role of caretaker premier during this period.

Amid these developments, Hun Sen publicly criticized Paetongtarn and her family, alleging that Thailand owed Cambodia gratitude for past support and threatening to expose further details about the Shinawatra family’s political activities. This unprecedented public attack by Hun Sen underscored the deepening rift between the two nations and highlighted the complexities of their bilateral relations.

The situation remains fluid, with both countries emphasizing the need for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the border dispute and address the political challenges arising from the leaked phone call. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, advocating for peaceful negotiations and stability in the region.