Thailand has issued an official clarification following widespread outrage over viral videos showing a statue of Lord Vishnu being demolished near the disputed Thai-Cambodian border. The Thai-Cambodian Border Press Centre said the action was undertaken purely for security and territorial management, dismissing allegations of religious disrespect.
The statement clarified that the statue — located at Chong An Ma along the contested border — was not a registered religious monument. Thailand claimed Cambodian soldiers had installed the statue to “illegally assert territorial sovereignty.” The press note added that the demolition was aimed at restoring administrative control of the region.
However, Cambodia strongly contested Thailand’s claim. According to Cambodian officials quoted by AFP, the statue — erected in 2014 in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province — stood inside Cambodian territory, around 100 metres from the border, and was revered by both Buddhist and Hindu followers. Cambodian spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the demolition was carried out earlier this week.
📹 Videos circulating online show the statue being brought down using a backhoe loader, sparking sharp reactions globally. Thailand expressed “sincere regret” for any distress caused and reiterated its respect for all faiths and religious sentiments.
India Condemns Statue Demolition
India reacted strongly to the development, calling the demolition “disrespectful” and deeply hurtful to millions of devotees worldwide. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and resolve the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing the need to avoid damage to religious structures and safeguard civilian lives amid continuing border tensions.
Background of Ongoing Conflict
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have persisted since July over contested border zones. A ceasefire mediated by former US President Donald Trump had momentarily paused hostilities, but clashes reportedly resumed earlier this month. The demolition incident has added a fresh flashpoint to the conflict.
Thailand maintains it acted within sovereign rights, while Cambodia asserts violation of sacred heritage — deepening diplomatic strain between the neighbouring nations.