Demolition Of Hindu Deity Statue Linked To Security, Not Religion: Thailand On Damage To Lord Vishnu Idol In Cambodia | world news

A day after India voiced concern over the demolition of a recently built statue of a Hindu deity in the disputed Thailand–Cambodia border area, Thailand issued a clarification stating that the action was related to security considerations and area administration, and was not intended to disrespect any religion or beliefs.

The Thai-Cambodian border press center said the damage to the idol was “not intended to involve religion or beliefs” and occurred during area management and security operations after Thai forces regained control of the territory, The Week reported.

Thai authorities said the structure concerned was not installed as a registered or officially recognized religious site. They added that, its removal was undertaken to affirm effective control of the area, reduce the risk of misunderstanding, and prevent the use of structures and symbols that could be exploited to lead to further tension.

According to the Thai side, the idol stood in the Chong An Ma area and was viewed by Thailand as a marker erected by Cambodian soldiers to assert sovereignty over land claimed by Thailand, raising security concerns in the contested zone.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the demolition of a recently built statue of a Hindu deity in the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border area. Videos circulating online showed an idol of Lord Vishnu being damaged during an operation involving a bulldozer by Thai military personnel in a disputed border area.

The statue was built in 2014 and was located in the An Ses area. The incident took place amid growing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

OUTRAGE: India’s MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Slams Demolition of Lord Vishnu Statue! • Thai army bulldozes Hindu deity statue in disputed Cambodia border zone • Jaiswal: Disrespectful acts hurt global sentiments, protect shared heritage • Statue from 2014 destroyed… pic.twitter.com/TBaHx7nTln — Voice Of Bharat (@Kunal_Mechrules) December 24, 2025

In an official statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further damage to lives, property, and heritage.

Cambodia also strongly criticized Thailand for destroying the Hindu statue in the disputed border zone.

Clashes between the two neighboring countries began in July this year. They reached a ceasefire in July with help from US President Donald Trump, but fighting started again this month.

According to official figures cited in reports, the renewed clashes have claimed more than 40 lives and displaced nearly one million people.

Both sides have accused each other of provoking the violence and targeting civilians. Cambodia has repeatedly alleged that Thailand has damaged temples along the disputed frontier, while Thailand has countered that Cambodian forces were deploying troops near centuries-old stone structures.