Fine Arts Dept wants speedy return of Thai artefacts from USA

[webfact]

 

The Thai government should expedite its efforts to retrieve Thai artefacts stolen from Si Thep historical park in Phetchabun province and currently held in the United States, said Phanombootra Chandrajoti, director general of the Fine Arts Department.

 

“A major challenge facing Thailand, after Si Thep historical park was recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in September, is to collaborate with the US in reclaiming artefacts, stolen from Si Thep more than 60 years ago, from museums in the US,” he said.

 

He estimated that the process would take about three years. The artefacts have been found scattered across many museums in the US, Phanombootra said, adding that they were illegally smuggled out of Thailand.

 

The reclamation of about ten pieces has already begun and Bangkok has received excellent cooperation from the US, through their Department of Homeland Security, the director general said, adding “It is evident that most of the museums in the US have no permits from Thailand to export the artefacts. Some of them even have falsified permits. In that case, they (the artefacts) have to be sent back unconditionally.”

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2023-12-14

 

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[PETERTHEEATER]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Some of them even have falsified permits

I wonder who in the Thai Fine Arts Department would have authorised those export permits.....😋

[bluebluewater]

^  since it's some 60 years ago it's someone who is long dead and gone.

[John Drake]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

"In that case, they (the artefacts) have to be sent back unconditionally.”

 

Or what?

[BritScot]

And Thailand should pay war retribution's to the UK and their allies over WW2 or thank America for the pathetic excuse saving them billions. 

[cdemundo]

As an American I have to object.

Why should they be returned?

The US stole those artifacts fair and square.

(As always for the thick and slow (a powerful contingent on ASEANNOW) JK.)

[PremiumLane]

29 minutes ago, BritScot said:

And Thailand should pay war retribution's to the UK and their allies over WW2 or thank America for the pathetic excuse saving them billions. 

 

How did you come to that conclusion, a fevered cheese dream?