‘Security-Driven Action, Not Religious’: Thailand Explains Demolition of Lord Vishnu Idol Near Cambodia Border

Thailand has issued an official clarification following international criticism over the demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue near its disputed border with Cambodia. The move came after India raised concerns, with Thai authorities stressing that the action was motivated by security considerations and not religious intent.

According to Thailand, the statue—reportedly built in 2014—was not a registered or officially recognised religious site. Officials said its removal was part of area management measures after Thai forces regained control of the location. They added that the demolition was aimed at preventing the presence of symbols that could escalate tensions in the sensitive border region.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Thai military personnel using a backhoe loader to pull down the Vishnu statue in the disputed area earlier this week. However, HT.com noted that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

The Thai-Cambodian border press centre stated that the action was “not intended to involve religion or beliefs” and was carried out purely for security reasons. Thai authorities further claimed the statue was a later installation and viewed it as a marker placed by Cambodian soldiers to assert sovereignty over land claimed by Thailand, reportedly in the Chong An Ma area along the frontier.

Thailand also emphasised that it respects all religions equally, including Hinduism, highlighting the region’s shared historical and cultural ties.

India’s response
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the demolition, stating that such actions hurt the sentiments of believers worldwide. New Delhi urged both Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the issue through dialogue and diplomacy, according to ANI.

Cambodia’s position
Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of destroying the Vishnu statue within Cambodian territory. A provincial government spokesperson claimed the structure stood in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province. Cambodian officials said the demolition occurred around 100 metres from the border, while mapping data reportedly placed it a few hundred metres from the boundary line.

The incident comes amid renewed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces over their long-disputed border, a conflict that has reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of nearly a million people. Despite ongoing accusations from both sides over damage to civilians, heritage sites and religious structures, officials from Thailand and Cambodia have begun another round of talks at a border checkpoint in Thailand.