Buddha statue replaces Hindu deity's idol at disputed Thailand–Cambodia border site

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared up again after a large Buddha statue was installed in a disputed border area, the same location where a statue of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu was recently demolished by Thai forces.

Bangkok’s Army says the new statue was erected to uplift local morale and reflects religious freedom, but Phnom Penh has criticised the move as inconsistent with peace efforts following deadly clashes in December.

The contested zone, known to Thais as An Ma and to Cambodians as An Ses, is part of a long-standing territorial dispute dating back to colonial-era boundary lines.

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Contested symbolism and accusations

Cambodian authorities protested the Buddha statue installation, saying it breaches the spirit of recently agreed ceasefire and de-escalation measures. Phnom Penh’s Ministry of Cults and Religion said the act violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and international norms, accusing Thailand of “inconsistent” behaviour after a truce that was meant to calm tensions.

Bangkok’s Army, however, rejected those claims and accused Cambodia of “distortions.” In a statement, the Thai military said the placement of the Buddha statue “was not intended to insult or undermine the beliefs of any party.” It added the installation was conducted “within the framework of religious freedom and belief,” and was meant to boost morale among Thai citizens in the area.

Both Thailand and Cambodia are predominantly Buddhist nations, but the row over these statues—first Hindu, now Buddhist—show how religious symbols have taken on deeper geopolitical meaning in a broader dispute over territory and control.

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Roots of the border dispute

The long conflict dates back to disagreements over the precise demarcation of an 800-kilometre (500-mile) border left over from colonial rule. Fighting in late 2025, the worst in years, left scores dead and prompted international calls for restraint. Cambodia has since accused Thailand of seizing additional areas near the border and demanded the withdrawal of Thai troops from contested zones.