Thailand Faces Border Conflict and Political Upheaval in 2025

Thailand in the Spotlight: Border Tensions and Political Crisis

Thailand finds itself at a critical juncture in late 2025, grappling with renewed military conflict along its border with Cambodia and significant political instability at home. These developments have profound implications not only for Thailand’s domestic affairs but also for regional stability in Southeast Asia.

Border Clashes Escalate with Cambodia

Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodia on Monday as a new wave of fighting erupted between the southeast Asian neighbours, marking a dangerous escalation in longstanding territorial disputes. Both sides accused the other of launching strikes along their disputed border in the early morning hours, after weeks of simmering tension. This follows a five-day border conflict in July that killed dozens of people and displaced about 200,000 on both sides of the frontier. The conflict has put at risk a peace agreement facilitated by US President Donald Trump, with Thailand halting progress on the agreement after a landmine explosion at the border injured several Thai soldiers.

Political Turmoil and Leadership Crisis

Thailand’s domestic political landscape remains turbulent following a leaked phone call scandal. A phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian senate president Hun Sen leaked amidst the border conflict, leading the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the governing coalition. The National Anti-Corruption Commission has opened a preliminary investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning alleged serious violations of the code of ethics stemming from this controversial conversation. Meanwhile, in one positive step in September, the government finalised the marriage equality bill making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex relationships.

Implications for Thailand and the Region

These concurrent crises underscore Thailand’s fragile political system and the enduring challenges of territorial disputes in the region. The border conflict threatens not only bilateral relations with Cambodia but also broader ASEAN stability. Domestically, the political turmoil reflects deeper tensions between democratic aspirations and established power structures. As Thailand navigates these challenges, the international community watches closely, concerned about the humanitarian impact of the border conflict and the country’s democratic trajectory. For Thai citizens, these developments mean continued uncertainty and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and political stability.