Thailand has responded to mounting criticism after videos surfaced online showing heavy machinery being used to dismantle a statue of Lord Vishnu near its disputed border with Cambodia. The Thai authorities clarified that the action had no religious motive and was carried out as part of security and area control measures.

In a statement issued by the Thai-Cambodian border press centre, officials said the structure was not a registered place of worship. They stressed that the demolition was linked to maintaining sovereignty and managing security in an area Thailand claims to have regained control over. The statement added that there was no intention to insult religious beliefs or offend devotees.

According to international media reports, Cambodian officials countered Thailand’s claim, stating that the statue stood within Cambodian territory in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province. Cambodian spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the idol, erected in 2014, was located around 100 metres from the border and had been revered by both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers.

Thailand, however, alleged that the statue was constructed by Cambodian forces in a sensitive zone known as Chong An Ma as a way to assert territorial claims. Thai authorities reiterated that the country respects all faiths and expressed regret over any hurt sentiments caused by the circulating footage.

The controversy also drew a reaction from India, which criticised the destruction of a Hindu deity’s statue amid an active border dispute. New Delhi said such acts were deeply hurtful to religious sentiments worldwide and should be avoided, particularly during times of heightened tension.

India further urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy. The two Southeast Asian neighbours have witnessed renewed clashes since July, with hostilities flaring up again this month despite an earlier ceasefire attempt mediated by the United States.