Due to their ongoing border dispute, Thailand started imposing strict land border restrictions on Monday, which included preventing tourists from entering Cambodia as a reciprocal action.

Relations between the two countries have worsened after a conflict on May 28, where a Cambodian soldier died in a small, disputed area. Even though both sides have agreed to reduce the tension, they continue to take or threaten actions that keep the situation tense.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated on Monday that Thailand will increase checks at its land borders and prevent tourists from leaving. She explained that only students, people needing medical care, and those who must buy essential items will be permitted to enter or exit Thailand.

She stated that the measures were designed to stop people from going to Cambodia's profitable casinos, but it seemed that all tourists would be affected by these restrictions.

Later on Monday, the Thai army stated that they had put strict rules in place at all land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia in five provinces. They also said that all crossings were stopped, except for people who had essential reasons to cross.

In response to the border dispute, Cambodia has boycotted some Thai internet services and stopped electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand. This action has a significant impact because Cambodia used to get 30% of its gasoline and other fuel from Thailand.

Paetongtarn mentioned on Monday that Thailand plans to consider stopping exports that might help scam operations in Cambodia, and will work with other countries and international groups to fight against cybercrime in Southeast Asia.

Earlier this year, Thailand started to take strong action against online scam operations in neighboring Myanmar, cutting off electricity, internet, and gas to border towns where these scams were located.

A recent UN report stated that Cambodia is a central location for elaborate scam operations, where people are forced to use misleading online methods, such as fake romantic relationships, dishonest investment offers, and illegal gambling sites, to take advantage of vulnerable people.

Paetongtarn has been criticized, especially by right-wing nationalists who have always been against her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, because of her seemingly soft approach to Cambodia.

A secretly recorded phone call last week between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who was Cambodia's prime minister for over forty years, caused a lot of public anger and led to demands for Paetongtarn's resignation.

Critics contended that her efforts to placate Hun Sen, a long-standing friend of her father, and her characterization of a Thai army commander in the contested border region as merely "an opponent," diminished Thailand's standing. Consequently, several nationalist activist groups have arranged a demonstration this week to demand Paetongtarn's resignation.