Bangkok: Thailand’s political parties are reshaping their campaign messages as fresh border clashes with Cambodia stir nationalist feelings among rural voters ahead of next month’s general election.
In villages near the eastern border, many families are still dealing with damage to homes and farms after recent fighting. Several residents were forced to flee temporarily, and local leaders say fear and anger have become part of daily life. These emotions are now influencing how people plan to vote.
Politicians from different parties are promising stronger action to protect Thai territory. Some candidates are calling for tighter border control and greater military presence. Others are stressing the need to defend national pride while also offering help to displaced families.
One senior lawmaker recently changed parties, saying his new political home takes a tougher stand on security issues. His move reflects a wider shift in Thai politics, where security and patriotism have become central campaign themes.
Opposition parties, which usually focus on economic problems and social welfare, have also adjusted their tone. They now speak more about protecting the nation and supporting soldiers, hoping to avoid being seen as weak on border issues.
The latest tensions come from a long running dispute over parts of the Thailand Cambodia frontier. Although both governments signed agreements in the past to calm the situation, small clashes have continued from time to time. The recent violence has renewed public concern, especially in farming communities that depend on land close to the border.
Analysts say the issue could shape the election outcome in border provinces, where voters want clear answers about safety and stability. For many rural families, the conflict is no longer a distant political issue but a personal one.
With election day approaching, parties are racing to show they can protect the country while also caring for people affected by the unrest. How voters respond may decide who forms the next government in Bangkok.