Ultranationalism in Thailand: Origins, rise and violence against Cambodian migrant workers

Ultranationalism in Thailand has its roots in an exclusive conception of ‘Thai identity,’ which has been continuously promoted since the 20th century by the state and certain elites. This ideology is embodied in the promotion of a unified nation centred on the monarchy, Buddhism, and the Thai language, excluding ethnic minorities and migrants.

Migrant workers stranded at the Poipet international border crossing in Banteay Meanchey province. Photo: Poipet Municipal Administration

Since the 2000s, the government has relaunched official ‘Thai Niyom’ (Thai-ness) campaigns, emphasising a vision of Thailand as a bastion of unadulterated identity and pledging to ‘regenerate patriotism’ through state films and educational programmes focused on national superiority.

Mass movements, such as the ultra-royalist ‘Yellow Shirts’, but also a new wave of online nationalism driven by young people, are fuelling various forms of ultra-nationalism.

This sometimes extends to virulent cultural rivalries with neighbouring countries – particularly Cambodia – over territorial, heritage and economic issues.

Xenophobia and structural violence: the example of Cambodian workers

In this context, Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand, estimated to number nearly one million, find themselves in the firing line. Employed mainly in poorly regulated sectors such as agriculture, fishing, textiles and services, they suffer multiple forms of structural discrimination and violence, including confiscation of documents, police blackmail, wage exploitation, difficult access to social rights, intimidation, beatings and even murder in extreme cases.

According to a survey conducted by Winrock International in partnership with USAID in 2022, nearly 40% of Cambodian migrant workers showed signs of exploitation or trafficking, with 1.3% having experienced direct physical or sexual violence, 18% having been threatened, 27% having been subjected to abusive practices, and up to 23% having been partially deprived of their liberty.

These realities are exacerbated by a lack of social and legal integration: migrants remain in a state of ‘permanent precariousness’, with no prospects for citizenship or socio-economic integration.

Exacerbation since 2025: nationalism, border conflict and outbreaks of violence

The border conflict in north-western Cambodia, triggered by renewed military tensions, has served as a catalyst for a new wave of xenophobia in Thailand. Numerous videos are circulating on social media showing Thai extremist groups humiliating, assaulting and beating Cambodian workers at their workplace or in the street. In some cases, groups are destroying Cambodian symbols or harassing migrants on a daily basis because of their presumed nationality.

In response, the Cambodian Ministry of Labour has called on its nationals to leave Thailand, with nearly 400,000 returning in just five days at the end of July 2025. The Cambodian authorities, relaying testimonies and videos, have appealed to the international community and called on brands operating in Thailand to take action against the rise in hateful acts and to guarantee the safety of migrant workers. The Cambodian army has also warned against the excesses of ultra-nationalism on both sides of the border.

Systemic dimension: impunity, official denial and international mobilisation

Faced with these abuses, the Thai authorities have downplayed or denied the facts, while assuring that control measures are being taken. However, NGOs, the ILO and the Cambodian authorities highlight underreporting, fear of reprisals and the lack of effective complaint or protection mechanisms for migrants.

Many experts denounce the exploitation of nationalism by Thai elites, while calling for more inclusive reception systems and effective punishment for racist violence. Finally, Cambodian civil society, notably the CUMW, is organising to support workers and expose abuses to international opinion.

Thai ultra-nationalism, mixed with xenophobia, remains a factor in social divisions and violence in the region, making Cambodian migrant workers the collateral victims of an ideology of exclusion and fear.

While migration is vital to the Thai and Cambodian economies, only regional and international awareness, combined with firm political action, will ensure the long-term protection of the rights and dignity of these vulnerable workers.