Cambodian sculptor Sok Chamroeun has condemned the destruction of a Lord Vishnu statue during recent military actions by Thai forces, calling the act “beyond the definition of humanity” and an assault on faith, culture and history.
Speaking to The Post, Chamroeun, a veteran sculptor and religious devotee, said the statue was not merely an artwork but a sacred symbol deeply rooted in the spiritual beliefs of local communities living around An Ses mountain.
“The Lord Vishnu statue was built to honour the god who protects the land and the people living behind An Ses mountain,” he said.
“For generations, people have respected this hill as a sacred place. Onkha Try Pheap built the statue to receive blessings from Lord Vishnu and to bring happiness and peace to the people,” he explained.
The eight-metre-tall statue, constructed in 2015, stood atop a two-storey base measuring more than three metres in height.
According to Chamroeun, the statue was located about 500 metres from the Cambodia–Thailand border, while another nearby statue of Lork Ta Oum stood roughly 100 metres from the border.
He stressed that there had been no interference from the Thai military at the time of construction.
Chamroeun, who is also the creator of the 21-metre-high, 60-tonne copper monument of Preah Thong and Neang Neak in Sihanoukville — the largest copper sculpture in Cambodia — said the destruction of religious statues had deeply shaken him, both personally and professionally.
“I have no words. It is beyond the definition of humanity,” he said.
“They are doing this wrong. I am very hurt that there is such a neighbouring country. I do not understand what kind of people they are,” he added.
He noted that the destruction of religious symbols had affected his ability to work, describing it as a spiritual wound.
“As a sculptor and a believer, it is painful to see sacred works destroyed. It makes me lose focus on my work,” he said.
Chamroeun also voiced support for public outrage expressed in India and among Hindu communities worldwide, noting the shared civilisational roots between Cambodians and Indians.
“Indians and Cambodians share the same civilisation of respecting Hinduism. Cambodians, from the past until today, continue to deeply respect Hinduism,” he said.
“This act insults Lord Vishnu, the creator god. It is shocking that anyone would dare to destroy a god,” he added.
Calling for international attention, Chamroeun said Cambodia has long suffered from repeated aggression and cultural destruction.
“The world must look at this small country that has been oppressed for hundreds of years,” he said.
“They destroy what they cannot take. The Khmer people have not received justice from those who know the truth and still remain silent,” he continued.
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra also condemned the incident, saying the global community — particularly Hindus worldwide — had witnessed what he described as the brutal destruction of the statue of Lord Vishnu during Thailand’s military actions against Cambodia.
He said the act had sparked widespread international discussion and condemnation.
According to The Straits Times of Singapore, a Google Maps search showed the statue was located approximately 400 metres inside Cambodian territory.
The incident has added to growing regional and international concern over the impact of the ongoing conflict on cultural and religious heritage, with calls mounting for accountability and protection of sacred sites.
