Trending:Minnepolis ShootingRepublic Day 2026Carney-Macron-DavosWaltz vs TrumpBangladesh cricketBorder 2 reviewBuddha statue replaces Hindu deity's idol at disputed Thailand–Cambodia border siteFP News Desk • January 25, 2026, 14:12:49 ISTWhatsapp Facebook TwitterA newly installed Buddha statue at a disputed Thailand-Cambodia border site has reignited tensions, after Thai forces earlier removed a Hindu deity’s statue from the same spot, drawing protests from Cambodia and reviving concerns over fragile ceasefire effortsAdvertisementSubscribe Join Us+ Follow us On GoogleChoose Firstpost on GoogleThe Vishnu statue situated at a disputed spot near the Thailand-Cambodia border, and demolished a few weeks ago, now has a Buddha staue in its place. (X)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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADThe 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. More from World Tokyo bids farewell to last pandas as Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao return to China amid souring relations Massive winter storm sweeps across US, triggering power outages, travel chaosContested symbolism and accusationsCambodian 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. Quick ReadsView AllTokyo bids farewell to last pandas as Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao return to China amid souring relationsMassive winter storm sweeps across US, triggering power outages, travel chaosRoots of the border disputeThe long conflict dates back to disagreements over the precise demarcation of an 800-kilometre (500-mile) border left over from colonial rule.
