Buddha Statue Replaces Hindu Deity at Disputed Thailand-Cambodia Border, Tensions Rise

• A Buddha statue has been installed in a disputed Thailand-Cambodia border area, replacing a Lord Vishnu idol recently demolished by Thai forces.
• Thailand's Army claims the statue uplifts local morale and reflects religious freedom, while Cambodia criticizes it as inconsistent with peace efforts.
• The contested zone, known as An Ma (Thai) and An Ses (Cambodian), is central to a long-standing territorial dispute from colonial-era boundary lines.
• Cambodia views the installation as a breach of ceasefire agreements and a violation of its sovereignty, accusing Thailand of inconsistent behavior.
• Thailand denies insulting beliefs, stating the Buddha statue placement was for religious freedom and to boost morale among Thai citizens in the area.

Why It Matters: A Buddha statue's installation at a disputed border reignites Thailand-Cambodia tensions over territory and symbolism.