Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

 

A social media backlash has emerged after a video showing the partial demolition of a Hindu deity statue near the Thai–Cambodian border went viral, prompting online calls by some Indian users to boycott Thailand as a tourist destination. The reaction spread rapidly across X and Instagram, with hashtags such as “Boycott Thailand” and “Boycott Pattaya” trending and urging travellers to cancel bookings. The article was reported by the Times of India.

 

The footage appears to show heavy machinery damaging a statue of Lord Vishnu located near the border between Thailand and Cambodia. According to Indian media reports cited by the Times of India, the statue was constructed in 2014 and is located in Cambodia’s An Ses area, roughly 100 metres from the Thai border. The video surfaced amid heightened sensitivities linked to ongoing territorial disputes along the frontier.

 

Following the video’s circulation, social media users accused Thailand of disrespecting Hindu religious beliefs and heritage. Numerous posts urged Indian tourists to reconsider travel plans and framed the incident as an attack on Hindu symbols. Some messages also linked the controversy to broader regional tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

As the backlash intensified, Thai authorities issued a clarification through the Thai–Cambodian border press centre. Officials stated that the operation shown in the video was conducted for area management and security purposes and was not intended to target religious symbols or beliefs. They expressed regret for any misunderstanding or discomfort caused by the images.

 

Thai officials further said the statue had been constructed on disputed land, prompting intervention within what Thailand considers its jurisdiction. The government stressed that the issue should not be interpreted as a religious matter. The Thai tourism authorities had not commented on whether the online campaign could affect travel from India.

 

Cambodian authorities rejected Thailand’s explanation. A spokesperson for Preah Vihear authorities told local media that Cambodia condemns the destruction of statues and temples revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Cambodian officials maintained that the statue was located within Cambodian territory and held cultural significance for multiple religious communities.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A viral video sparked online calls to boycott Thailand, according to the Times of India.

• Thai authorities said the action was for security and land management, not religious reasons.

• Cambodia disputed Thailand’s claim, saying the statue was on Cambodian territory and culturally significant.

 

Original Story

 

India-slams-Thailand-over-hindu-statue-demolition

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from TheThaiger 2025-12-28

 

 

Well done again Thailand. You're fighting wars with 3 of the 4 countries that border your country. Don't worry, you'll win them all. Just like every student wins at school.

2 hours ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

Well done again Thailand. You're fighting wars with 3 of the 4 countries that border your country. Don't worry, you'll win them all. Just like every student wins at school.

How do you get that?  Thailand has no conflict with Laos, Myanmar or Malaysia.

Would it be so bad if Indian tourists boycott Thailand?

Who ordered this barbaric act? Should all be punished to the max.

How low can you go?

Taliban level?

Good action of the Indians.. The border dispute is going on for more than a decade and is now used to gain votes for the next election. I am sure people living around the border don't have  problem on both sides, but because the Shins have problems because the PM made a doubtful phonecall and her daddy is put in jail and is convicted to pay 10billion taxes, the conflict is used a kind revenge to harm Thailand and its economy. And of course Cambodia has the right to defend itself, but is the bad one, as Hun Sen has a lot of inside information that could damage the Shin family more..  I know that a lot of conservative thinking people and brainwashed by the army and government don't like this comment, but the country is being damaged very much for nothing. It costs money that could be used better and the lives of the people who died for nothing are a wasted loss. and the poor living people around the border will get poorer as they have to leave their homes, businesses, while they have and had no problems with where the border is.  

And the misunderstanding and other excuses are fake, as the statue stood there without problems already since 2014. Good action to destroy relations between countries and keep tourists away

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

online calls by some Indian users to boycott Thailand as a tourist destination

 

go to Cambodia instead ..................gets a thumbs up from me

Thailand's regional and international reputation takes another hit.

 

Even the current Thai Foreign Minister admitted, upon being appointed, that Thailand's international reputation was poor and that there was an urgent need to improve Thailand's global standing.   I guess the Thai military did not read the memo.

2 hours ago, emptypockets said:

Would it be so bad if Indian tourists boycott Thailand?

 

A lot of people would say high 5's all around. Result.  Well done the Thai army.

4 hours ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

You're fighting wars with 3 of the 4 countries that border your country

 

Can you let us all know which countries you say Thailand is fighting wars with. It's ok, we will all wait for your answer.

6 hours ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

Well done again Thailand. You're fighting wars with 3 of the 4 countries that border your country. Don't worry, you'll win them all. Just like every student wins at school.

 

You appear to be bright as a 2-watt bulb.

15 minutes ago, KireB said:

 

You appear to be bright as a 2-watt bulb.

a candle in  a guinness bottle 

A PR mistake, in an otherwise nicely planned and executed operation. Had my doubts but I got more and more impressed as it unfolded.

6 hours ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

Well done again Thailand. You're fighting wars with 3 of the 4 countries that border your country. Don't worry, you'll win them all. Just like every student wins at school.

Can you please state what countries you are talking about and the war situation regarding respective country.

Anyway, it´s perfectly fine. Why not? Let Indians boycott Thailand. The ladyboy market share will go down and the country will be happier.

 

Wanton, senseless destruction of a religious deity by Thailand. As @KhunBENQ says above "Talkiban level?". This makes Thailand look bad IMO.

 

Nice own goal Thailand.

Silly billies.  

 

I’m not sure how Thailand could withstand the economic hit of Indian tourists boycotting the country — a devastating 1,000 THB, no doubt.

Go Thailand. Go in hard. Take out the Hun dynasty and bring democracy to Cambodia. It use to be a beautiful country and beautiful people before the  murderous Khmer Rouge/ communist takeover.

Who are the CEO's of Google, Alphabet, Microsoft, Adobe, Novartis, IBM and many more ? All indians or of indian origin. Obviously, as for any country we have the bad ones or the good ones.  But one has to admit that is a huge potential of wealth an knowledge in the Indian Subcontinent. Not to mention the billion dollar business venture investments in Thailand from Indian business tycoons. Does Thailand really want to,  or have the means to p#ss of the Indian market ? As obviously the assessment,  goes a bit beyond what one may see on Beach Road of Pattaya that seems to be the sole reference of the average Indian bashers. 

Only the self-righteous and deluded care... most normal Thais and others don't. Most don't care what the insane Indians think.

11 hours ago, CNZBoi said:

 

Can you let us all know which countries you say Thailand is fighting wars with. It's ok, we will all wait for your answer.

I don't know how many countries are at war with Thailand but I do know that Donald Trump the peace maker has solved them all.

Can't be bothered to look at the silly replies here, but, IMHO, I think Thailand should offer to repair/reinstate the Hindu statue - end of.

 

You know - it's sort of, being nice, in a difficult situation . . . defuse not provoke . . . . . .

 

Maybe 500,000 plus refugee Thais, might appreciate a peaceful gesture, that might help.

 

 

1 hour ago, Sigmund said:

Who are the CEO's of Google, Alphabet, Microsoft, Adobe, Novartis, IBM and many more ? All indians or of indian origin. Obviously, as for any country we have the bad ones or the good ones.  But one has to admit that is a huge potential of wealth an knowledge in the Indian Subcontinent. Not to mention the billion dollar business venture investments in Thailand from Indian business tycoons. Does Thailand really want to,  or have the means to p#ss of the Indian market ? As obviously the assessment,  goes a bit beyond what one may see on Beach Road of Pattaya that seems to be the sole reference of the average Indian bashers. 

            I'm sure india has its fair share of mega wealthy billionaire tycoons just like any other country, and just like those from other countries they have little interest in holidaying in Pattaya.  The ones that do end up in Pattaya, and, as you say ,are ,mistakenly  thought to be typical  of all Indians, are of course not 

            However, assuming your talking about groups of mostly single young (ish) Indian males who are here for a 2 or three week blow out, they are pretty typical  of all the other foreigners from that demographic who gravitate there.,  and who are probably considered as typical examples of their own nationalities by the indians 

            Anyway  Just like christians , not all hindus are "devout" and those that are, probably don't holiday in pattaya very often.  Those who are screaming "boycott Thailand"  have probably never been to Thailand and  probably never intend to . and those of them who do come here certainly wont be listening to them

             Billionaire investors do not normally experience knee jerk reactions to a bit of social media fury,so no worries on that score either,

People  used to say it'll be "tomorrows fish and chip wrapping" about stuff like this ,, now its the contents of tomorrows recycle bin 

31 minutes ago, TorquayFan said:

Can't be bothered to look at the silly replies here, but, IMHO, I think Thailand should offer to repair/reinstate the Hindu statue - end of.

 

You know - it's sort of, being nice, in a difficult situation . . . defuse not provoke . . . . . .

 

Maybe 500,000 plus refugee Thais, might appreciate a peaceful gesture, that might help.

 

 

Nah that's not how they are brought up, from a very young age the inherent superiority and entitlement of being Thai is drilled into them along with the sacred status of the land they occupy , Look at the comments under any you tube clip from Thai Tv discussing the cease fire, very few pacifists amongst them, and how many street protests calling for peace have we seen ?

1 hour ago, Sir Dude said:

Only the self-righteous and deluded care... most normal Thais and others don't. Most don't care what the insane Indians think.

            Exactly,and  just like the rest of social media, this forum is fast becoming a haven for quite a few members of the "permanently offended on behalf of someone else" community. with all the associated virtue signaling .

            I'll bet there is not a single  Indian or Hindu amongst them.  The same sort of self loathers  who have "renounced their white privilege" and hate their own counties , have now started to hate the country they now like to call home, 

             It is or was a war, or at least a battle , people have been killed and maimed, their houses have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands have had to suffer 3 weeks in makeshift refugee camps, and here we are listening to them moan about a statue  it was hardly an ancient religious relic  barely over 10 years old , its no great loss to anybody, Lets get things into perspective

               Some have decided in their hysteria that it might have been demolished for "religious reasons," (shock horror)    utter rubbish but even if it was , so what

 

 

14 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Thailand's regional and international reputation takes another hit.

 

Even the current Thai Foreign Minister admitted, upon being appointed, that Thailand's international reputation was poor and that there was an urgent need to improve Thailand's global standing.   I guess the Thai military did not read the memo.

Why would they worry?       Anyway  are there  any  countries these days  that enjoy 5 star global standing,?

What does the phrase even actually mean?  and who gets to decide the ratings.  Its a phrase as ridiculous and meaningless  as "international law "

15 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Who ordered this barbaric act? Should all be punished to the max.

How low can you go?

Taliban level?

No more barbaric than planting a landmine with the  sole intent of blowing somebody's legs off, Or blasting civilian villages with BM 21 rocket launchers. It was just a lump of concrete  Anyway  would 500bt and a wai  make it better

18 hours ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

Well done again Thailand. You're fighting wars with 3 of the 4 countries that border your country. Don't worry, you'll win them all. Just like every student wins at school.

 Win ???        well they would if they were but they're not so they won't