Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Destroying Vishnu Statue

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is continuing, and tensions have risen after a Cambodian official accused Bangkok of destroying a statue of Lord Vishnu in a disputed area.

According to AFP, Preah Vihear’s spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the statue was located inside Cambodian territory in the An Ses area. The Vishnu statue, which was built in 2014, was demolished on Monday, about 100 metres (328 feet) from the Thai border.

Chanpanha condemned the act, saying that destroying religious monuments is unacceptable, especially when they are important to both Buddhist and Hindu followers. He said such actions damage cultural heritage and could increase tensions between the two countries.

So far, Thai authorities have not responded to the claim. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing border dispute, highlighting how conflicts over territory can affect not only politics but also historical and religious sites.

The destruction of the Vishnu statue comes amid long-standing tensions over the border region, where both countries have previously disagreed on land ownership and control. Cambodian officials are calling for protection of cultural heritage and hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.