Story perspectives

India Condemns Thai Military's Hindu Statue Destruction in Cambodia

12/25/2025

Summary

India Condemns Demolition

India condemned Thai military demolition of a Hindu deity statue in Cambodia as disrespectful.
On December 24, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized Hindu and Buddhist deities as shared heritage.
He urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border dispute through dialogue to prevent further loss of life.
The incident occurred amid Thai-Cambodian tensions and drew criticism from the former Indian politician Vijayasai Reddy, who called the act intolerable.

Summary

India Denounces Statue Destruction

India condemned the demolition of a Hindu deity statue in the Thailand-Cambodia border area as a violation of cultural respect.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the incident underscores the need for peaceful dialogue.
The move sparked outrage among Hindu leaders and the global diaspora, with calls for international accountability.
Prominent organizations promote a campaign to rebuild the statue, arguing the act undermines interfaith respect.

History

Historical Context

The 2008–2011 Cambodia-Thailand border crisis stemmed from a long-standing dispute over the Preah Vihear Temple, awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962. Tensions escalated in July 2008 when Thailand deployed over 1,000 troops near the temple, leading to military confrontations. This ongoing conflict highlights the need for dialogue among Thailand, Cambodia, and India to promote cultural respect and prevent further disputes.

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India Condemns Demolition

India condemned Thai military demolition of a Hindu deity statue in Cambodia as disrespectful.
On December 24, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized Hindu and Buddhist deities as shared heritage.
He urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border dispute through dialogue to prevent further loss of life.
The incident occurred amid Thai-Cambodian tensions and drew criticism from the former Indian politician Vijayasai Reddy, who called the act intolerable.

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