Thailand Says Removal of Lord Vishnu Statue Near Cambodian Border Was Security-Driven, Not Religious
Bangkok defends demolition in contested area as part of territorial control measures amid heightened border clashes
Thailand has clarified that the demolition of a statue depicting the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu near its border with Cambodia was carried out for security and administrative reasons rather than as an act targeting religion, officials said on Thursday.
The structure, erected in 2014 close to the disputed frontier region of An Ses in Preah Vihear province, was brought down by Thai forces after they regained control of the territory during renewed clashes with Cambodian counterparts.
In statements issued by the Thai-Cambodian border press centre, authorities described the statue as “not connected to any religion” and said it was not registered as an official religious site, dismissing suggestions that its removal was meant to disrespect Hindu beliefs.
The action was framed as part of broader area management and efforts to reaffirm effective control over border zones contested by both nations, with Bangkok expressing regret for any discomfort caused by misunderstandings arising from social media footage of the incident.
Cambodian officials, meanwhile, have strongly criticised the demolition, asserting that the statue stood within Cambodian territory and was part of the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
Videos of the incident circulated widely online, prompting condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which said such acts risk hurting the sentiments of devotees around the world and urged both sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to defuse tensions.
The row over the statue has emerged against the backdrop of an intensifying border conflict that has seen multiple exchanges of fire, with casualties reported on both sides and displacement of civilians.
Phnom Penh and Bangkok have engaged in diplomatic engagements and ceasefire talks even as they trade accusations over violations and acts perceived as provocative.
Thai authorities have stressed their respect for all religions, including Hinduism, which they noted has historical and cultural ties across Southeast Asia, and reiterated that the statue’s removal was unrelated to religious sentiment.
The structure, erected in 2014 close to the disputed frontier region of An Ses in Preah Vihear province, was brought down by Thai forces after they regained control of the territory during renewed clashes with Cambodian counterparts.
In statements issued by the Thai-Cambodian border press centre, authorities described the statue as “not connected to any religion” and said it was not registered as an official religious site, dismissing suggestions that its removal was meant to disrespect Hindu beliefs.
The action was framed as part of broader area management and efforts to reaffirm effective control over border zones contested by both nations, with Bangkok expressing regret for any discomfort caused by misunderstandings arising from social media footage of the incident.
Cambodian officials, meanwhile, have strongly criticised the demolition, asserting that the statue stood within Cambodian territory and was part of the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
Videos of the incident circulated widely online, prompting condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which said such acts risk hurting the sentiments of devotees around the world and urged both sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to defuse tensions.
The row over the statue has emerged against the backdrop of an intensifying border conflict that has seen multiple exchanges of fire, with casualties reported on both sides and displacement of civilians.
Phnom Penh and Bangkok have engaged in diplomatic engagements and ceasefire talks even as they trade accusations over violations and acts perceived as provocative.
Thai authorities have stressed their respect for all religions, including Hinduism, which they noted has historical and cultural ties across Southeast Asia, and reiterated that the statue’s removal was unrelated to religious sentiment.
