On Thursday (June 26), Thai and Cambodian leaders visited different sections of their disputed land border amid rising tensions linked to a territorial disagreement, as Thailand’s government faces increasing instability. The strained relations follow brief armed clashes late last month in a contested border area, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. Since then, both countries have engaged in retaliatory actions, including troop deployments, Cambodia’s halt of fuel and gas imports from Thailand, and Thailand’s partial closure of several checkpoints along their 817-kilometer border.

The dispute has added pressure to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is struggling to revive a weak economy and maintain a fragile coalition in the face of mounting protests and an impending no-confidence vote in parliament. During her visit to the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, across from Cambodia’s Poipet, Paetongtarn was welcomed by supporters, some holding signs of encouragement like "Love You Prime Minister Paetongtarn." She stated her visit aimed to review efforts against transnational crime and assess the effects of strict border controls, which have halted all cross-border traffic, including tourists and trade.

“We’re here to understand how this policy affects people and to find ways the government can assist,” she told officials during a meeting. Earlier in the week, the Thai leader blamed Cambodia for the rise in illegal online scam networks—a claim denied by Cambodian officials. Meanwhile, across the border in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visited troops and officials near Thailand’s Surin province. Video footage showed him arriving by helicopter, dressed in military uniform, and addressing local authorities.

Previously, Paetongtarn and Hun Sen enjoyed close relations, partly due to Hun Sen’s longstanding ties with Paetongtarn’s father, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, a leaked phone call in which Paetongtarn criticized a senior Thai military official—an act considered taboo in Thailand—has sparked backlash and intensified political challenges for her.

Although she has since apologized, the Bhumjaithai Party cited the call as its reason for exiting the ruling coalition last week. The party has also announced plans to push for a parliamentary no-confidence vote against Paetongtarn and her cabinet. Adding to her troubles, a group of senators has requested Thailand’s Constitutional Court and anti-corruption agency to investigate her conduct, which could result in her dismissal. Meanwhile, anti-government groups are preparing for mass protests beginning Saturday to demand her resignation.