Why “Boycott Thailand” is Trending: Outrage Over Hindu Deity Idol Demolition

New Delhi, December 27, 2025: Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, have been flooded with the hashtag #BoycottThailand following the viral circulation of a video showing the demolition of a large Hindu deity statue. The footage has ignited a firestorm of controversy, blending religious sentiment with a long-standing territorial dispute.

The Viral Incident

The controversy centers on a video showing a nine-meter-tall statue of Lord Vishnu being toppled by an excavator. The demolition was carried out by Thai military engineers on Monday, December 22, 2025.

The statue, built in 2014, was located in the An Ses area near the Preah Vihear province. While Cambodian authorities assert the statue stood on their land (roughly 100 to 400 meters from the border), Thailand claims the structure was erected on disputed territory to “assert sovereignty” by Cambodian forces.

Why it Sparked a Global Outrage

The “Boycott Thailand” movement gained traction primarily among the Indian diaspora and Hindu communities worldwide. For many, the sight of a sacred idol being treated as “encroachment” or “debris” was a deep religious affront.

• Social Media Reaction: Users have called for a total boycott of Thai tourism—a significant blow considering Indian tourists are one of Thailand’s largest visitor groups.
• India’s Response: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp statement on December 24, calling the act “disrespectful” and noting that it “hurts the sentiments of followers around the world.” The MEA emphasized that such deities are part of a “shared civilizational heritage” and urged both nations to use diplomacy instead of destruction.

Official Statements: Religion vs. Security

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, defended the military, stating that a “destroyed statue cannot compare to soldiers’ lives” lost in the recent border clashes. However, the Thai government did express “sincere regret” for any “misunderstandings” or discomfort caused by the images.

Context: The Border Conflict

The demolition is a byproduct of renewed military hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia. Despite a ceasefire brokered earlier in the year, clashes over the 800-kilometer border reignited in December 2025. This conflict has already led to dozens of casualties and the displacement of nearly a million people, with religious symbols now caught in the crossfire.

What’s Next?

The “Boycott Thailand” trend continues to impact the country’s image as a “land of smiles” and a welcoming destination for spiritual tourism. Diplomatic talks have reportedly resumed at a border checkpoint, but the emotional damage caused by the viral video remains high.