Groundbreaking article on participatory research with Cambodian and Thai netizens

03 March 2026

Monash GPS members have authored a ground-breaking article on Cambodian–Thai culture clashes in the digital age of nationalism. GPS Fellow Raymond Hyma and GPS Affiliates Suyheang Kry and Phasiree Thanasin have written the first scholarly article on the Cambodia-Thai conflict from a view in online spaces, where everyday netizens from both countries directly interact. To understand the online context, the study went offline using Facilitative Listening Design (FLD); an innovative, participatory research method that simultaneously deepens understanding about conflict dynamics as well as has the potential to positively influence those dynamics by bringing together groups in conflict to lead the research. The article is significant for bringing together 24 Cambodian and Thai co-researchers at a time when tensions are high, and for addressing the overlooked topic of how digital nationalism is shaped and felt in cross-border interactions between Cambodian and Thai netizens.

The article explores how historical grievances, cultural disputes, and national identity claims are intensified in digital environments. 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.