Thailand Vishnu statue demolition row: Thailand installs Buddha statue at the same site amid border dispute with Cambodia

Nearly a month after Thai forces demolished a Lord Vishnu statue at the disputed Thailand–Cambodia border, Thailand has reportedly installed a Buddha statue at the same site, calling it a morale-boosting religious gesture. Cambodia has strongly objected, calling the move provocative, while India had earlier said that the demolition hurt religious sentiments at a time when border peace remains fragile.

The Thai army said it installed the Buddha statue in the contested border area known as An Ma in Thailand and An Ses in Cambodia to support local residents and troops. The army described the move as a religious gesture, not a political one, amid ongoing tensions along the border.

Vishnu Statue Demolished

The controversy traces back to clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces in November and December 2025. During this period, a statue of Lord Vishnu at the border was demolished by Thai forces.


Reports said the statue had been erected by Cambodian forces in 2013 on land Thailand considers its own. Thai officials maintained that removing the statue was meant to assert sovereignty after Thai troops regained control of the area, not to target any religion.

Thailand denies religious insult

Responding to criticism, the Thai army accused Cambodia of spreading “distortions” about the incident. It insisted that religion was not the motive behind either the demolition or the new installation. It said it carried out within the framework of religious freedom and belief, as well as to boost morale among Thai citizens in the area.

Cambodia calls move against ceasefire spirit

Phnom Penh reacted sharply to the installation of the Buddha statue, saying it went against efforts to calm tensions. Cambodian officials said the act was “inconsistent with de-escalation measures” agreed under the ceasefire.

Cambodia also reiterated its claim over the land, arguing that the earlier Vishnu statue stood within its territory.

Kim Chanpanha, Cambodian government spokesman in the border province of Preah Vihear, said the demolished statue was located in Cambodian-controlled land. He said the statue, built in 2014, "was inside our territory in the An Ses area".

"We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and statues that are worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu followers," Chanpanha added.

India voiced concern over religious sentiments

India weighed in on the issue after the demolition of the Lord Vishnu statue. In an official statement, New Delhi said, "such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place."

The statement also noted, “Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage.”

The latest dispute comes against the backdrop of deadly border violence late last year. The November–December 2025 clashes began after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine near the disputed area, allegedly planted by Cambodian forces. Cambodia denied the allegation.

The injured Thai soldier later died, prompting Thailand to carry out an air strike. Both sides announced an “immediate” ceasefire on December 27. Despite a few reported violations, the ceasefire has largely held, even as tensions over symbols, territory and faith continue to simmer.