Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Buddha statue replaces Hindu deity at disputed border
There's a big argument between Thailand and Cambodia about a border area.
Thailand recently put up a statue of Buddha where a statue of a Hindu god named Vishnu used to be.
Cambodia is upset because they think Thailand is being mean and not following the rules of a truce.
Thailand says they're just trying to make people feel good and be respectful of different beliefs.
Both countries are mostly Buddhist, but the statues have become a big deal in their fight over who controls the land.
The fight started a long time ago because they disagree about where the border should be.
There were some bad fights last year, and now both sides are accusing each other of not playing fair.
A Buddha statue was installed at a disputed Thailand-Cambodia border site where a Hindu deity's statue was recently demolished.
Cambodia protests the move, claiming it violates a ceasefire and their sovereignty.
Thailand defends the installation as an act of religious freedom and morale boost.
The border dispute dates back to colonial-era boundary disagreements.
Recent clashes in late 2025 have heightened tensions and international concerns.
- Who
- Thailand and Cambodia
- What
- Installation of a Buddha statue replacing a Hindu deity's statue
- When
- After the demolition of the Vishnu statue a few weeks ago
- Where
- Disputed border area known as An Ma (Thailand) or An Ses (Cambodia)
- Why
- Thailand claims it was to uplift local morale and reflect religious freedom; Cambodia sees it as a breach of ceasefire and sovereignty
- Location
- An Ma (Thailand)/An Ses (Cambodia)
- Disputed Area
- 800-kilometre border
- Recent Clashes
- Late 2025
- Cambodia's Stance
- Violation of sovereignty and ceasefire
- Thailand's Stance
- Religious freedom and morale boost
- Predominant Religion
- Buddhism in both countries