Thailand cites security reasons for damage to Lord Vishnu idol

Thailand’s demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue near its border with Cambodia has sparked international backlash. Authorities said the action was driven by security concerns and not religious reasons.

Following India’s expression of concern, Thailand clarified that the statue was not a registered religious site. Officials said its removal was linked to area management and border security after Thai forces regained control of the disputed region.

Videos circulating online reportedly show Thai military personnel using a backhoe loader to pull down the Vishnu statue, built in 2014, in the contested border area earlier this week.

Responding to criticism, the Thai-Cambodian border press centre said the demolition was “not intended to involve religion or beliefs.” Thai authorities added that the structure was a later installation and lacked official religious recognition.

According to Thailand, the statue stood in the Chong An Ma area along the disputed frontier. It was viewed as a marker placed by Cambodian soldiers to assert sovereignty over land claimed by Thailand. Thailand also stressed that it respects all religions, including Hinduism, and highlighted the region’s shared historical and cultural ties.

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India’s response

The incident comes amid renewed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces over their long-disputed border. According to AFP, the conflict has killed dozens and displaced nearly one million people.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the demolition hurt the sentiments of believers worldwide. New Delhi urged both Thailand and Cambodia to return to dialogue and diplomacy, according to ANI.

Meanwhile, officials from Thailand and Cambodia have begun another round of talks at a border checkpoint in Thailand. However, both sides continue to accuse each other of causing damage to civilians, heritage sites and religious structures.

Cambodia’s stance

Cambodia accused Thailand of demolishing the Vishnu statue inside Cambodian territory. An AFP report quoted a provincial spokesperson as saying the statue stood in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province.

Cambodian officials said the demolition took place about 100 metres from the border. However, mapping data reportedly suggests the structure was located a few hundred metres from the boundary line.

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