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Thailand Defends Demolition of Vishnu Statue at Disputed Border as Security Move

India condemns the demolition, with defence officials from both countries opening talks to revive a ceasefire.

Overview

  • Verified video published by AFP shows a backhoe knocking down the 2014 Vishnu statue near the contested An Ses area on the Dangrek frontier.
  • Cambodia says the statue stood inside its territory roughly 100 metres from the boundary, while mapping checks cited by reporters place it several hundred metres from the line.
  • Thailand says the structure was a non‑registered decorative piece and that its removal was for security and area control, not an attack on religion, with Prime Minister Anutin stressing troop safety.
  • India’s foreign ministry called the demolition disrespectful to shared heritage and urged a return to diplomacy to prevent further loss of life and damage to property and cultural sites.
  • Cross‑border fighting has left dozens dead and displaced large numbers, and defence delegations met at a Thai border checkpoint in Chanthaburi to work on restarting a ceasefire.