‘Hurts religious sentiments’: India condemns demolition of Bhagwan Vishnu statue amid Thailand-Cambodia border clashes

India on December 24, 2025, strongly condemned the demolition of a statue of Bhagwan Vishnu in a contested border area amid renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said such actions were unacceptable and hurt the sentiments of devotees around the world, particularly in a region bound by shared religious and civilisational traditions.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to a media query on the issue, said India had taken note of reports regarding the demolition of the statue, which was built in recent times and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute.

“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,” Jaiswal said, referring specifically to the statue of Bhagwan Vishnu that was allegedly dismantled by Thai military personnel.

Emphasising the deep cultural and spiritual links that bind South and Southeast Asia, the MEA said Hindu and Buddhist deities are revered across the region and form an inseparable part of a shared civilisational heritage.

“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilisational heritage,” Jaiswal said.

He underlined that territorial or military disputes cannot justify acts that offend religious faith.

“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place,” he added.

India also urged both Thailand and Cambodia to step back from confrontation and return to peaceful engagement. Stressing the need to prevent further escalation, New Delhi called for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts.

“We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage,” Jaiswal said.

India’s statement came against the backdrop of renewed hostilities along the Thailand–Cambodia border, where tensions have been simmering for months.

The border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours first erupted in July. Both countries had agreed to a ceasefire the same month, reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, fighting flared up again this month, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilians and cultural sites in the conflict zone.

The demolition of the Bhagwan Vishnu statue in a Cambodian temple complex by Thai military engineers has triggered outrage and polarised debate online, particularly after videos of the incident surfaced on social media on December 22.

Videos Show Statue Toppled by Bulldozer

According to widely circulated videos, what appeared to be a tall statue of Bhagwan Vishnu was toppled from behind using heavy machinery, reportedly a bulldozer or excavator, by Thai military engineers. The visuals showed the statue being forcibly dismantled, sparking anger among religious communities and cultural activists.

While some online reactions framed the act as religious desecration, others argued it was driven by territorial and security considerations rather than religious animosity.

A monument to a Hindu deity installed by Cambodia was torn down by Thailand’s army

Not a dismantling — more like a straight kick up the backside. Only instead of a foot, it was an excavator.

The irony is brutal. Both countries are Buddhist with deep Hindu roots. Hindus revere… pic.twitter.com/QzO0P5uWYx

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 23, 2025 

Thai authorities and several Thai social media users have claimed that the demolition was not motivated by hostility towards Hinduism but by territorial concerns. According to this narrative, the statue was erected by Cambodian forces in 2013 on land that Thailand considers its own.

The site is reportedly located near a casino in the Chong An Ma area of Ubon Ratchathani province. Thai military officials have argued that the destruction of the statue was part of asserting Thai sovereignty after their forces regained control of the area.

Thailand and Cambodia are both predominantly Buddhist countries today, but both share deep Hindu roots. Hindu deities and epics have historically influenced temple architecture, rituals and royal traditions across the region. Many traditions also regard Lord Buddha as an avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu, further underscoring the religious sensitivity surrounding the statue’s demolition.

The statue is believed to have been located in or near the Preah Vihear temple complex, a historically contested site. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia regarding territorial claims over the complex, a ruling that Thailand has often contested or downplayed.

The demolition has sparked outrage among several Hindu netizens, particularly in India, who have described the act as a grave insult to faith.

“Destroying a Hindu deity’s statue under the pretext of a border dispute is unacceptable. Attacking faith and heritage only exposes intolerance,” one user wrote on X, urging the Indian government to intervene.

Another user commented, “Shame to see Thai army destroy Hindu temple. May god see you,” while some went further, calling on New Delhi to take a strong stand to protect Sanatana Dharma.

Cambodian social media users largely viewed the act as an example of Thai aggression and cultural destruction.

“Thailand is nothing but a perpetrator trying to destroy what Cambodia has, even though it’s a religious statue,” one Cambodian user wrote. Another said, “This is Cambodian territory. Thai army is invading us now. They destroy a lot of statues here. We need peace.”

Thai social media users, however, rejected claims of religious hatred, arguing that the statue represented an illegal encroachment.

“Thais do respect all religions. Cambodia built the statue in Thai territory illegally. Now we have occupied it back and you say we have no right to demolish it?” one user posted. Another said, “The reason Thai soldiers destroyed this statue was not religious hatred. Thailand also has Hindu culture and rituals. It was removed because it symbolised an encroachment.”

India’s intervention highlights growing international concern over the protection of religious and cultural heritage in conflict zones. By invoking shared civilisational values, New Delhi has sought to remind both countries that faith and heritage must not become casualties of geopolitical disputes.