Thailand Replaces Vishnu Statue with Buddha Image at Disputed Border Site, Cambodia Protests Strongly

Bangkok/Phnom Penh:
A fresh diplomatic row has erupted between Thailand and Cambodia after the Thai military installed a Buddha statue at a disputed border location where a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu was demolished last month, triggering sharp protests from Phnom Penh.

Thailand has described the move as a religious and morale-boosting gesture, while Cambodia has condemned it as a provocative act that undermines efforts to de-escalate tensions along the sensitive border region near the historic Preah Vihear area.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy traces back to December 2025, when Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief confrontation along the contested frontier. During that period, Thai forces removed and destroyed a Vishnu statue that had been installed by Cambodian forces in 2013 on land claimed by both sides.

Thai officials argued that the statue was placed on territory claimed by Thailand and said its removal was meant to reassert sovereignty after Thai troops regained control of the area, not to target any religion.

Buddha Statue Installed at Same Location

According to Thai military statements, the new Buddha statue has been installed in the disputed zone—known as An Ma in Thailand and An Ses in Cambodia—to support local residents and soldiers amid ongoing tensions. Thai authorities insisted the move was non-political, carried out under the principles of religious freedom, and aimed at boosting morale.

Thailand also accused Cambodia of spreading “misinformation” about the incident and reiterated that religion was not the motivation behind either the removal of the Vishnu statue or the installation of the Buddha image.

Cambodia Calls Move a Violation of De-escalation Efforts

Cambodia reacted strongly, saying the installation violated agreed confidence-building and de-escalation measures. Phnom Penh reaffirmed its claim over the land and stated that the earlier Vishnu statue stood within Cambodian-controlled territory.

Government spokesperson Kim Chanpanha, from Preah Vihear province, said the demolished Vishnu statue—constructed in 2014—was located “inside our territory in the An Ses area.”

“We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and religious statues that are worshipped by both Buddhist and Hindu followers,” Chanpanha said, calling Thailand’s actions unacceptable.

India Expresses Concern Over Religious Sentiments

Following the demolition of the Vishnu statue, India had also voiced concern, emphasizing the broader cultural and religious sensitivities involved. In an official statement, New Delhi said that such acts hurt the religious sentiments of believers worldwide, particularly at a time when border peace remains fragile.

India added that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region as part of a shared civilizational heritage, urging restraint and respect for religious symbols.

Tensions Remain High

While Thailand maintains that its actions were religious in nature and not intended to inflame tensions, Cambodia has warned that such steps risk further destabilizing an already sensitive border situation. The episode underscores how territorial disputes intertwined with religious symbolism continue to complicate relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.