100-Foot Lord Vishnu Statue Bulldozed Amid Thailand–Cambodia Border Clash, Video Surfaces

New Delhi: Tension is at its peak on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, and now a new dispute has emerged. Cambodia accused the Thai Army of bulldozing a 100-foot-tall statue of Lord Vishnu built inside its border. The statue was built in 2014 and was in the An Ses area of ​​Preah Vihear province – just 100 meters from the border.

In the viral video, the statue is shown being pushed from behind with a backhoe loader. AFP verified the video – no AI manipulation. Military clashes have been going on between the two countries for more than two weeks, in which more than 40 deaths have occurred.  

Why did Cambodia show so much anger?

Cambodian government spokesperson Kim Chanpanha said, "The statue was on our territory; the Thai Army took it down on Monday. We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and statues that are revered by Hindu and Buddhist followers." Cambodia is repeatedly alleging that Thai forces are damaging border temples. Both countries are Buddhist-majority, but Hindus share common roots – Vishnu is also considered an incarnation of Buddha. Hindu users on social media were outraged, some calling it a religious insult. But Thai users are saying – this was an illegal encroachment; Cambodia had built the statue for claim.

What is Thailand saying?

The Thai Army has not yet commented. But in social media and local reports, Thai people are calling it encroachment removal. "Cambodia built an illegal statue on our land; now we have taken it back and are making noise." The border dispute is old – 800 km border, claim on ancient temples. In 1962, the ICJ gave the verdict to Cambodia on Preah Vihear Temple, but Thailand did not accept it. Millions displaced in recent clashes. The Thai side says Cambodian soldiers are posting on old structures.

Viral video and reactions?

A Hindu deity’s statue was destroyed by Thailand’s army, placed by Cambodia.
Both are Buddhist nations with a history of Hindu ancestors are now converting ancient Hindu temples into Buddha viharas.
Shameful, Hindus even revere Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu and pay God Buddha… pic.twitter.com/JKEisbl3YN

— JIGNESH܁ᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@jignesh03011976) December 23, 2025

The video went viral on Thai social media, then globally. Some Hindu users called it a Taliban-like act, but Thai and Cambodian users were divided on national lines. The Indian Embassy has not responded yet. Debate on Reddit – Thai users are saying that Vishnu is the number one god in Thailand, the king is called Ram, and this is not religious hate but a territorial issue.

What next, diplomacy or more tension?

Clashes continue, with both accusing each other of attack. Cambodia blames Thailand for temple damage. Thailand rejected bilateral talks. Will this small incident become a big diplomatic crisis? Both countries share Hindu heritage; I hope there will be peace soon. But the border dispute is old and will not be resolved easily.