Indians Call For Boycott Thailand As Lord Vishnu Statue ‘Destroyed’ On Cambodian Border: ‘Don’t Disrespects Faith’

Last Updated:December 26, 2025, 13:49 IST

The statue, reportedly built in 2014, stood in the An Ses area of Cambodia, roughly 100 metres from the Thai border.

Videos show a statue of Lord Vishnu being damaged allegedly by Thai army. (Photo Credit: X)

The clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which began in July and briefly paused under a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, have reignited. Amid the rising tensions, many videos have gone viral that show a statue of Lord Vishnu being damaged allegedly by Thai army. The incident has sparked outrage particularly among Indians who hold Lord Vishnu as a revered deity in Hinduism.

The statue, reportedly built in 2014, stood in the An Ses area of Cambodia, roughly 100 metres from the Thai border. Cambodian authorities claim it was a religious site for both Buddhist and Hindu followers. Meanwhile, Thailand has described the demolition as a security-related action and not an attack on religious sentiments.

Social media users began calling for a boycott of Thailand, a country that is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Indians. Thailand attracts visitors with its beaches, cultural sites, cuisine and nightlife. But the viral videos have led many Indians to rethink travelling to Thailand as the destruction of the statue was seen as a disrespect to Hindu heritage.

Boycott Thailand Echoes After Lord Vishnu Statue Razed

Many Indians expressed shock and disappointment with one user commenting, “Dear Indian friends: Please reconsider travelling to Thailand. Hindu heritage on Cambodian land has been destroyed, while Cambodia continues to honour Hinduism through its ancient temples. Why support a country that disrespects your faith?"

Another said, “Thailand brought down Lord Vishnu statue, I want to start the “Boycott Thailand" and “Boycott Pattaya" campaigns. Hope my Hindu brethren support this cause by canceling bookings and ensuring that country is brought to its knees and forced to beg before India Challenge accepted?"

“Now that Thailand has demolished a Hindu God statue, I hope Hindutva supporters will boycott Thailand as a tourist destination!" someone else remarked.

“Why is Thailand so cruel? What is wrong with the statue of Lord Vishnu, and why did you destroy it like this? As a devotee of Lord Vishnu, I condemn Thailand and call for a boycott by refusing to travel to your country," a person wrote.

“We urge Indian citizens to stand for justice and ethics by boycotting Thai tourism, travel, goods, and services. Do not support a country that shows no respect for religion, civilians, or international norms. A peaceful, global boycott sends a clear message," read another comment.

We urge Indian citizens to stand for justice and ethics by boycotting Thai tourism, travel, goods, and services.Do not support a country that shows no respect for religion, civilians, or international norms.A peaceful, global boycott sends a clear message: aggression and , pic.twitter.com/CZ2Qr9VVMg

— PM~officer

Why Did Thailand Destroy The Lord Vishnu Statue

In response to the controversy, Thailand issued a statement clarifying that the statue was not a registered religious site. The Thai-Cambodian border press centre stated, “The actions were not intended to involve religion, beliefs, or disrespect any sacred entities, but were solely for the purpose of area management and security, following the Thai side’s regaining control of areas under Thailand’s sovereignty."

They added that the statue had been built on disputed territory by Cambodian soldiers allegedly to claim sovereignty over the Thai region. Thailand further emphasised that it respects all religions and expressed “sincere regret for any discomfort that may have arisen from misunderstandings" caused by the images.

Meanwhile, Cambodia maintains that the statue was located inside its territory in An Ses and that it was worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Preah Vihear’s spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said, “We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and statues that are worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu followers."

India’s Official Response

India condemned the demolition of the statue, stating that such “disrespectful" acts hurt the sentiments of followers worldwide and “should not take place." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “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."

India also urged both countries to use dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and prevent further damage to life and property.

News viral Indians Call For Boycott Thailand As Lord Vishnu Statue ‘Destroyed’ On Cambodian Border: ‘Don’t Disrespects Faith’

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