Thailand Defends Demolition of Lord Vishnu Statue, Citing Security Concerns Amid Border Tensions

Thailand is facing backlash over the demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue near the Thai-Cambodian border, but the country's authorities insist that the action was taken for security reasons, not to target the statue's religious significance. Videos circulating online appear to show Thai military personnel using a backhoe loader to demolish the statue, which was built in 2014, in the disputed border region earlier this week. While India expressed concern over the incident, citing the potential hurt to Hindu sentiments worldwide, Thailand maintains that the statue was not a recognized religious site and was removed to prevent symbols that could escalate tensions along the sensitive border. Thai authorities claim that the statue was erected by Cambodian soldiers to assert sovereignty over Thai-claimed land and was not an official installation. The removal of the statue was intended to prevent further provocation, according to the Thai side. The incident has reignited tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with both countries accusing each other of damaging civilians, heritage sites, and religious structures. The conflict has a long history, with dozens killed and nearly a million displaced. Despite the renewed clashes, Thai and Cambodian officials have begun another round of talks at a border checkpoint in Thailand. The talks come as both sides continue to trade accusations over the damage caused during the recent border clashes.