Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Thailand Demolishes Lord Vishnu Idol Amid Border Conflict
Thailand recently demolished a large statue of Lord Vishnu near the border with Cambodia.
Thailand says they did this for security reasons and that the statue was not an official religious site.
However, Cambodia says the statue was on their side of the border and was an important religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
India was upset because they think the demolition was disrespectful to people's religious feelings.
Both countries have been fighting near the border, and India has asked them to stop fighting and talk things out.
The statue was a symbol of their shared history, and its destruction has made the conflict more complicated.
Thailand demolished a nearly nine-metre-tall Lord Vishnu statue near the Cambodia border, citing security and area management.
Cambodia claims the statue was located within their territory and was an active religious site revered by both Hindu and Buddhist communities.
Thailand insists the statue was built illegally in a disputed area and was not officially recognized as a religious site.
India condemned the demolition, stating it was disrespectful and hurt the sentiments of devotees worldwide.
The incident occurred amid renewed military hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations.
- Who
- Thailand, Cambodia, and India
- What
- Demolition of a Lord Vishnu idol
- When
- Recently, with background conflict escalating in December 2025
- Where
- Near the Thailand-Cambodia border, in the An Ses area of Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province
- Why
- Thailand cited security and area management; Cambodia and India view it as a disrespectful act
Thailand's Perspective
Cambodia and India's Perspective
Reason for Demolition
Thailand's Perspective
Thailand claims the statue was built illegally in a disputed area and was demolished for security and area management purposes, not to disrespect any religion.
Cambodia and India's Perspective
Cambodia and India view the demolition as an attack on religious heritage and a disrespectful act that hurts the sentiments of devotees worldwide.
Status of the Statue
Thailand's Perspective
Thailand states the statue was not registered or officially recognized as a religious site.
Cambodia and India's Perspective
Cambodia maintains the statue was an active religious site revered by both Hindu and Buddhist communities.
Border Dispute
Thailand's Perspective
Thailand asserts that Cambodian forces erected the statue to assert sovereignty over land claimed by Thailand.
Cambodia and India's Perspective
Cambodia claims the statue was located well within their territory and the demolition was an attack on their sovereignty.
- Location of the Statue
- An Ses area of Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, near the Thai border
- Height of the Statue
- Nearly nine metres tall
- Year of Erection
- 2014
- Thailand's Justification
- Security and area management
- India's Response
- Condemned the demolition, urged dialogue and diplomacy
- Cambodia's Response
- Condemned the demolition as an attack on religious heritage
- Background Conflict
- Renewed military hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia along the border
- International Involvement
- India and the US have been involved in diplomatic efforts
Sources
Action ‘related to security considerations’: Thailand’s clarification on demolition of idol
‘Decorative Piece Along Border’: Thailand Justifies Lord Vishnu Statue Demolition As India Raises Concern
Thailand issues clarification after India condemns demolition of Lord Vishnu idol amidst conflict with Cambodia: Read what Bangkok said
