The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia may provide a boost for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as he seeks to secure victory in the upcoming snap elections. Despite the relative silence of weapons along the Thai-Cambodian border in recent weeks, the tensions that erupted in July and again in December are looming over the election landscape. This situation fosters a wave of nationalism that has become a core theme in Charnvirakul's campaign, as many Thais rally around the government and military during challenging times. In his campaign, Anutin, 59, who has a background as a contractor and is now presenting himself as a staunch nationalist, aligns his Party Bhumjaithai with patriotic sentiment. His rhetoric emphasizes a commitment to protecting Thailand, with declarations such as his promise to 'defend Thailand with my life' resonating with voters in a time of unrest. The escalation of border conflicts often strengthens the resolve of national leaders, a factor Charnvirakul is leveraging strategically as he appeals to voters' sense of nationalism. However, the reliance on nationalist sentiments raises questions about the fate of reformist forces in Thai politics. As the electoral landscape becomes dominated by such sentiments, the potential for progressive change appears to be waning. The voter response to the elections will significantly determine whether Thailand continues down this nationalist path or if there is room for reform and modernization in governance, making this election not just a question of leadership but also of the nation’s political direction going forward.