Thai troops toppled a Hindu deity statue in disputed border territory during clashes with Cambodia.

Thai soldiers dismantled the Hindu-style monument at the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, when the area was secured on December 22.

Army engineers under the Second Army Area removed the statue, described as a Vishnu figure, after an inspection found that it had been built illegally on Thai territory.

The post stated that the statue was constructed by Cambodian soldiers, which Thailand viewed as a symbolic ‘landmark' intended to support an unlawful claim over the area.

The authorities said the structure could later be used to bolster historical or cultural arguments in future territorial disputes.

In response to the incident, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs in India, where the majority of people are Hindu, released a statement on December 24.

He said: ‘We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.

‘Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage.

‘Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place.

‘We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives and damage to property and heritage.'

Thailand's Joint Press Centre on the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation released a clarification statement on December 25 regarding the removal of the structure.

The statement said the action was not motivated by religion, belief, or any intention to disrespect sacred symbols or any faith.

The centre said the operation was carried out solely as part of area administration and security management following the restoration of control over Thai sovereignty.

He said: 'The structure was not installed as a registered or officially recognised religious site.

'The removal is to affirm effective control of the area, reduce the risk of misunderstanding, and prevent the use of structures or symbols that could be exploited to create further tension.

'Thailand holds deep respect for all religions and beliefs, including Hinduism.

‘The action was related to security considerations and area administration and was not intended to disrespect any religion or beliefs.'

Regarding the toppled Hindu statue Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said: ‘As for the damaged statue, if you compare it to every leg that our soldiers have lost, or compare it to an act of desecration, I wouldn't even make such a comparison.'

Territorial clashes flared up earlier this year before a brief ceasefire, but started again this month when Cambodian troops are said to have fired on a Thai engineering team building an access road in a disputed border area.

In the most recent battles, at least 23 Thai soldiers and one civilian have been killed.

In Cambodia, the number of military fatalities is believed to be much higher, though regime chiefs have not revealed the actual figure.

Around 600,000 people have been displaced on both sides of the border.

Cambodia's assault has largely been wayward, unguided rockets fired indiscriminately into Thai territory, including an attack on July 24 that killed eight people and injured 13 others.

Thailand has used precision drone strikes and fighter jet strikes on military sites.

Former Khmer Rouge henchman and Cambodian dictator Hun Sen has repeatedly claimed that he wants peace and that Thailand is the aggressor.

Thai officials claim the ongoing border confrontations are a threat to national security, and the areas must be secured.