Cambodia Appeals to Indian Public After Hindu Statue Destroyed in Border Conflict

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 26, 2026) — Cambodia has appealed directly to the Indian public following the destruction of a Hindu deity statue inside Cambodian territory, an incident that has intensified religious, cultural and diplomatic tensions amid the ongoing border conflict with Thailand.

Thoun Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, urged Indian travelers to reconsider trips to Thailand, citing what he described as disrespectful actions toward Hinduism and shared civilizational heritage.

His remarks followed reports that Thai forces destroyed a sacred Lord Vishnu statue in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, drawing condemnation from the Indian public and the Government of India.

“The worship of Lord Vishnu is not limited to Indians alone — Cambodians and many people around the world also deeply revere Vishnu as a major deity in Brahmanism,” Sinan said. “Indian people should carefully consider these disrespectful acts before choosing Thailand as a travel destination.”

India’s Ministry of External Affairs formally condemned the alleged demolition, calling it a violation of shared civilizational values. Former Indian lawmaker Vijayasai Reddy also denounced the incident as “unacceptable.”

The appeal comes as Cambodia deepens ties with India, highlighted by the launch of IndiGo Airlines’ first direct flight service between the two countries in October 2025. The new route connects Kolkata to Siem Reap three times a week, beginning operations on Nov. 13 with Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Officials said the service marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral tourism and trade, offering Indian travelers easier access to Cambodia’s Hindu and Buddhist heritage sites, including Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear.

Cambodian authorities said the Vishnu statue is not the first monument damaged in the conflict, citing destruction of pagodas, statues and the UNESCO listed Preah Vihear Temple. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts called the attacks grave violations of international conventions protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict.