Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religion has condemned the Thai military for destroying a Vishnu statue in Preah Vihear and replacing it with a Buddha statue, calling the act a violation of national sovereignty and existing border agreements.
Cambodia has strongly criticized the Thai military for destroying a Vishnu statue in Preah Vihear province and replacing it with a Buddha statue, calling the move a violation of Cambodian sovereignty.
In a statement issued on January 22, the Ministry of Cults and Religion said the incident happened in An Ses village, Choam Ksan commune, near the border area that Cambodia says is under its territory.
The ministry said the original statue of Lord Vishnu was removed and destroyed by Thai soldiers before the new statue was installed at the same site.
According to the statement, the action goes against international law, which prohibits using force to take or control territory. It also contradicts several agreements made between Cambodia and Thailand, including the July 28, 2025 ceasefire agreement and later commitments to avoid unilateral actions along the border.
The ministry added that the move could harm efforts to keep peace in the area, especially after both sides had publicly agreed to resolve disputes through dialogue and existing mechanisms such as the General Border Committee.
Cambodia has called on Thailand to respect its territorial integrity, follow international law, and honor the agreements already signed by both countries.
