(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said that a number of international outlets, particularly Indian media, have published images showing Thai forces destroying a statue of the Hindu deity Vishnu after crossing into Cambodian territory.

In a post on social media on Thursday, December 25, the minister wrote: “Since yesterday and continuing today, various media, especially in India, have published images showing that, after invading Cambodian territory, Thai forces destroyed a statue of Vishnu that had been built on Cambodian soil for worship.” He added that religious communities in India reacted strongly, criticizing Thailand and condemning the act as disrespectful.

Some media outlets questioned whether Thailand had become consumed by war, and why its military would go so far as to destroy a large Hindu statue in Cambodia. Combined with comments made today by the Thai Prime Minister and government spokespersons, which many observers felt failed to show respect toward Hindu followers, public anger has intensified, leading to widespread condemnation of the Thai military. Many have called the destruction “wrongful” and warned that such actions will not go unanswered.

It should be noted that on 24 December 2025, Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the demolition of Hindu deity statue by the Thai military.

The Ministry Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal stated Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage. Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place.
=FRESH NEWS