By Hindustan Times and Thai Newsroom
THE Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (Dec. 24) reacted to the demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu at the Thailand-Cambodia border, saying “such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world”.
The statue of Lord Vishnu was destroyed by Thailand military on Monday (Dec. 22) after over two weeks of military clashes between the two nations when Thai troops reclaimed Chong An Ma border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani province.
Cambodians were in tears after Thai army engineers demolished the statue of Lord Vishnu they had installed at this border crossing.
MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the deity at the Thailand-Cambodia border are deeply revered and worshipped by the people in the region and is part of shared civilisational heritage.
“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. Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage,” MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.
Among the replies this post attracted on X.com are the following:
“India and Hindu have rich culture and respect by Thais community for long time, even my name, it clearly see it from Sanskrit. To add more context, Cambodia use statue as military symbol and build on conflict area to claim.”
Suwitcha Musijaral
@suwitch
“Could Indian govt play more active role in pacifying the conflict, also in enhancing, preservation of the cultural historical lonkages (linkages)?”
Ankur Tiwari
@Ankur_tiwari2
“India has noted reports concerning the demolition of a Hindu deity statue in an area impacted by the Thailand–Cambodia border situation.
“Hindu and Buddhist traditions are deeply revered across Asia, reflecting a shared civilizational heritage.
“Actions that harm religious sentiments, anywhere, deserve restraint and sensitivity.
“Dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for cultural heritage remain the only sustainable path forward.”
Himanshu Jain
@HemanNamo
“Request for Restoration of the Bhagavan Vishnu statue should have been mentioned.”
KIRAN KUMAR G కిరణ్ కుమార్🇮🇳🕉️
@kirankumarg67
CAPTION:
The statue of Lord Vishnu being demolished at Chong An Ma on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Photos: Amarin TV
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