prasad1
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Thailand has issued a clarification after videos showing the destruction of a Lord Vishnu statue near the Thai-Cambodia border triggered outrage and diplomatic reactions, including condemnation from India. Bangkok said the action was driven by security concerns and insisted that the structure was not a recognised religious site.
The controversy erupted after videos circulated on social media showing a backhoe loader damaging an idol of Lord Vishnu, reportedly carried out by Thai army personnel. The visuals led to accusations of religious disrespect and renewed focus on the long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Thai-Cambodian border press centre said the demolition was not aimed at religion or belief. “The actions were not intended to involve religion, beliefs, or disrespect any sacred entities but were solely for the purpose of area management and security, following the Thai side's regaining control of areas under Thailand's sovereignty,” the statement said.
Thailand also claimed the statue was built in a disputed area at Chong An Ma along the Thai-Cambodian border. According to the Thai side, Cambodian soldiers had erected the statue in the contested zone to assert sovereignty over what Thailand considers its territory. The statement added that Thailand respects all religions and beliefs and expressed “sincere regret for any discomfort that may have arisen from misunderstandings” caused by the images.
Cambodia, however, rejected Thailand’s version. According to a report by AFP, Preah Vihear spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the statue stood inside Cambodian territory in the An Ses area. He said the Vishnu statue, built in 2014, was demolished on Monday and was located about 100 metres from the border with Thailand. Cambodian authorities said the site was worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist followers and accused Thailand of destroying a religious structure.
The controversy erupted after videos circulated on social media showing a backhoe loader damaging an idol of Lord Vishnu, reportedly carried out by Thai army personnel. The visuals led to accusations of religious disrespect and renewed focus on the long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Thai-Cambodian border press centre said the demolition was not aimed at religion or belief. “The actions were not intended to involve religion, beliefs, or disrespect any sacred entities but were solely for the purpose of area management and security, following the Thai side's regaining control of areas under Thailand's sovereignty,” the statement said.
Thailand also claimed the statue was built in a disputed area at Chong An Ma along the Thai-Cambodian border. According to the Thai side, Cambodian soldiers had erected the statue in the contested zone to assert sovereignty over what Thailand considers its territory. The statement added that Thailand respects all religions and beliefs and expressed “sincere regret for any discomfort that may have arisen from misunderstandings” caused by the images.
Cambodia, however, rejected Thailand’s version. According to a report by AFP, Preah Vihear spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the statue stood inside Cambodian territory in the An Ses area. He said the Vishnu statue, built in 2014, was demolished on Monday and was located about 100 metres from the border with Thailand. Cambodian authorities said the site was worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist followers and accused Thailand of destroying a religious structure.
