In a tit-for-tat escalation of their border dispute, Thailand initiated stringent land border controls on Monday, effectively preventing tourists from entering Cambodia.

After an armed clash on May 28, where a Cambodian soldier died in a small, disputed area, relations between the two countries have worsened. Although both sides have agreed to reduce the conflict, their ongoing actions and threats are keeping tensions high.

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

Although the measures were supposedly designed to stop people from going to Cambodia's profitable casinos, it seemed that all tourists would be prevented from entering.

Later on Monday, the Thai army announced in a statement that they had put these measures in place at all land border checkpoints in five provinces between Thailand and Cambodia. They also stated that all crossings were stopped, except for people who had essential needs.

In response to the border dispute, Cambodia has boycotted certain Thai internet services and stopped the supply of electricity and fuel from Thailand. This action affects its energy sector, as Cambodia previously imported 30% of its gasoline and other fuels from Thailand.

Paetongtarn mentioned on Monday that Thailand plans to stop exports that could help scam operations in Cambodia. They will also work with other countries and international groups to stop cybercrime in Southeast Asia.

Earlier this year, Thailand took strong actions against online scam groups in nearby Myanmar, stopping electricity, internet, and gas supplies to border towns where these scams were happening.

A recent UN report stated that Cambodia is a major center for scam operations, where people are forced to work online to trick victims with fake romantic relationships, misleading investment offers, and illegal gambling websites.

Paetongtarn has received a lot of criticism, especially from right-wing nationalist groups who have always been against her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, because of her seemingly gentle approach to Cambodia.

A phone call that was secretly recorded last week between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, the Cambodian Senate President and former prime minister, caused widespread public anger and led to demands for Paetongtarn's resignation.

Critics have stated their disapproval of her attempts to please Hun Sen, a longtime friend of her father. They believe that by calling a Thai army commander in charge of the disputed border area "an opponent," she made Thailand seem weak. As a result, several nationalist activist groups have organized a protest this week to demand her resignation.