Thailand says Lord Vishnu statue was removed for security reasons, denies religious angle

New Delhi condemned the demolition of the Hindu deity statue, allegedly by the Thai army, and said such acts hurt religious sentiments globally.

Thailand clarified that its demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue near the Thai-Cambodia border was for security, not religious reasons, after India condemned the act. Cambodia disputes Thailand's claim, saying the statue was on Cambodian soil and a worship site.

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Thailand has issued a clarification after videos showing the destruction of a Lord Vishnu statue near the Thai-Cambodia border triggered outrage and diplomatic reactions, including condemnation from India. Bangkok said the action was driven by security concerns and insisted that the structure was not a recognised religious site.

The controversy erupted after videos circulated on social media showing a backhoe loader damaging an idol of Lord Vishnu, reportedly carried out by Thai army personnel. The visuals led to accusations of religious disrespect and renewed focus on the long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Thai-Cambodian border press centre said the demolition was not aimed at religion or belief. “The actions were not intended to involve religion, beliefs, or disrespect any sacred entities but were solely for the purpose of area management and security, following the Thai side's regaining control of areas under Thailand's sovereignty,” the statement said.

Thailand also claimed the statue was built in a disputed area at Chong An Ma along the Thai-Cambodian border. According to the Thai side, Cambodian soldiers had erected the statue in the contested zone to assert sovereignty over what Thailand considers its territory. The statement added that Thailand respects all religions and beliefs and expressed “sincere regret for any discomfort that may have arisen from misunderstandings” caused by the images.

Cambodia, however, rejected Thailand’s version. According to a report by AFP, Preah Vihear spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the statue stood inside Cambodian territory in the An Ses area. He said the Vishnu statue, built in 2014, was demolished on Monday and was located about 100 metres from the border with Thailand. Cambodian authorities said the site was worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist followers and accused Thailand of destroying a religious structure.

The incident has also drawn a strong response from India. On Wednesday, New Delhi condemned the demolition of the Hindu deity statue, allegedly by the Thai army, and said such acts hurt religious sentiments globally.

“We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

India urged both countries to exercise restraint and resolve the issue through dialogue. New Delhi said peace must prevail and warned against actions that could lead to loss of life or damage to property.

The controversy comes amid renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. Clashes between the two sides began in July and continued despite a ceasefire reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump. The conflict has flared up again this month, adding to tensions in the region and complicating diplomatic efforts to stabilise the border.