New Delhi: Tension is at its peak on the verge between Thailand and Cambodia, and now a new dispute has emerged. Cambodia accused the Thai Unwashed 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 zone of Preah Vihear province – just 100 meters from the border.
In the viral video, the statue is shown stuff pushed from overdue with a backhoe loader. AFP verified the video – no AI manipulation. Military clashes have been going on between the two countries for increasingly than two weeks, in which increasingly 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 Unwashed took it lanugo on Monday. We condemn the destruction of warmed-over temples and statues that are revered by Hindu and Buddhist followers." Cambodia is repeatedly alleging that Thai forces are rabble-rousing verge temples. Both countries are Buddhist-majority, but Hindus share worldwide roots – Vishnu is moreover 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 Unwashed has not yet commented. But in social media and local reports, Thai people are calling it inroad removal. "Cambodia built an illegal statue on our land; now we have taken it when and are making noise." The verge dispute is old – 800 km border, requirement on warmed-over temples. In 1962, the ICJ gave the verdict to Cambodia on Preah Vihear Temple, but Thailand did not winnow 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 siblings are now converting warmed-over Hindu temples into Buddha viharas.
Shameful, Hindus plane revere Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu and pay God Buddha… pic.twitter.com/JKEisbl3YN
— JIGNESH (@jignesh03011976) December 23, 2025The video went viral on Thai social media, then globally. Some Hindu users tabbed 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 tabbed Ram, and this is not religious hate but a territorial issue.
What next, affairs or increasingly tension?
Clashes continue, with both accusing each other of attack. Cambodia blames Thailand for temple damage. Thailand rejected bilateral talks. Will this small incident wilt a big diplomatic crisis? Both countries share Hindu heritage; I hope there will be peace soon. But the verge dispute is old and will not be resolved easily.
