India condemns Vishnu statue demolition at Thailand-Cambodia Border, calls for peace
New Delhi – India strongly reacted after reports emerged that Thai military demolished a Vishnu statue at the Thailand-Cambodia border on Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the act “hurts the sentiments of followers around the world” and called for immediate dialogue between the two nations.
The Vishnu statue, built in 2014, stood in the disputed border area of An Ses in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. Thai military engineers reportedly toppled it with a bulldozer amid ongoing tensions. The destruction occurred after more than two weeks of clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces. A video of the demolition circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage among Hindus and others worldwide.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region as part of shared civilizational heritage. He urged Thailand and Cambodia to resume peace and avoid further destruction of life, property, or heritage. “Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place,” the statement said.
Cambodia also criticized Thailand for the incident. Kim Chanpanha, a spokesman in Preah Vihear, stated, “The statue was inside our territory in the An Ses area.” The Cambodian government called the demolition a violation of cultural and religious norms and demanded accountability from Thai authorities.
Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have been ongoing since July this year. The clashes initially erupted over territorial disputes, and despite a ceasefire brokered in July by US President Donald Trump, fighting resumed this month. Both sides have accused each other of instigating hostilities, resulting in damage to property and infrastructure along the border.
The Vishnu statue, although recently built, symbolized religious and cultural ties in the region. Analysts note that destruction of religious sites can exacerbate diplomatic tensions and inflame public sentiment, both domestically and internationally. Indian officials emphasized that respect for religious symbols remains crucial even during territorial disputes.
Social media reactions highlighted global concern. Many users condemned the act as a violation of religious sentiment. Hindu groups and diaspora communities expressed anger, while international observers urged calm and dialogue. No official response has come yet from Thailand regarding the demolition.
India called on both countries to return to talks. It stressed that territorial disputes must not justify disrespect toward religious and cultural heritage. The MEA reiterated its appeal for peace, diplomacy, and restraint to prevent further escalation.
As the situation develops, observers expect increased international attention. Analysts believe sustained dialogue and adherence to cultural respect can prevent further deterioration of relations. Both Thailand and Cambodia face mounting pressure to control the border and protect religious sites.
In conclusion, India condemned the Vishnu statue demolition as a serious affront to religious sentiments. It called for calm, dialogue, and renewed efforts to restore peace in the border region, emphasizing that cultural and religious heritage must remain beyond conflict.
