The Thai government today explained its decision to demolish a Vishnu deity statue on the border with Cambodia, stating the action was "related to security and area management considerations and was not intended to offend any religion or belief." Bangkok added that the structure was merely an exhibit at a location along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
In a separate statement, Bangkok clarified that the statue was not an officially recognized religious site. The statement emphasized, "more importantly, the removal of the statue was carried out to assert effective control over the area." Thailand also conveyed "sincere apologies if any discomfort was caused by misunderstandings" arising from images circulating online.
 |
Image of the Vishnu deity statue being destroyed by an excavator in a video circulating online in Thailand. *The Straits Times*
This week, a video showing the Hindu deity statue being demolished by an excavator circulated widely on social media in Cambodia and Thailand, particularly near the disputed An Ses area.
Cambodian officials today stated that the statue, built in 2014 on what they consider "our territory" approximately 100 meters from the Thai border, condemned Thailand's action.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, representing a country with a Hindu majority, also voiced concerns today, stating that "such disrespectful actions hurt devotees worldwide and should not have occurred."
The incident occurs amidst renewed border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, which escalated into clashes on 7/12. Soldiers from both nations exchanged gunfire along the border, with subsequent reports of heavy weaponry use, including F-16 fighter jets and multiple rocket launchers, targeting areas in the neighboring country's territory.
Both nations have traded accusations over the recent skirmishes and attacks on civilians. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed reporters today, stating that "a destroyed statue cannot be compared to the lives or bodies of soldiers."
By Thanh Tam (AFP, Bangkok Post)
