New trenches of battle: Cambodian–Thai culture clashes in the digital age of nationalism

Despite increasing media attention to online antagonism between Cambodian and Thai netizens, little empirical research has examined how digital nationalism is shaped and felt in these cross-border interactions. This article explores how historical grievances, cultural disputes, and national identity claims are intensified in digital environments. Drawing on a collaborative participatory study in both countries, findings show how nationalism unfolds through emotionally charged encounters that range from disengaged scrolling to active confrontation, generating affective responses such as frustration, humiliation, and defensiveness. These dynamics are not confined to online space but spill over into offline identities and social imaginaries. While digital nationalism is often treated as discourse, this article further foregrounds its emotional and relational textures, advancing understanding of how users experience, internalize, and navigate online nationalistic tensions. Its Southeast Asia focus contributes context-specific insights to broader debates on digital conflict, identity politics, and the affective consequences of online social media engagement.