Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Thailand has received four ancient bronze sculptures known as the Prakhon Chai group from the United States, prompting joy among villagers in Buriram province and renewed calls for urgent restoration of Prasat Khao Plai Bat. The artefacts, aged around 1,200–1,300 years, were officially handed back to Thailand on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, at 2.00pm at the Issarawinitchai Throne Hall, National Museum Bangkok. The return marks a major milestone after decades of illegal removal and years of international negotiations.

The four objects comprise three bronze Bodhisattva figures and one bronze Buddha image, all originally taken from Prasat Khao Plai Bat in Chalerm Phra Kiat district, Buriram province. They were smuggled out of Thailand more than 60 years ago by antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford and later passed through private collections and several overseas museums. Most recently, the sculptures were displayed at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, United States.

Efforts to recover the artefacts began formally in 2017, when Thailand’s Committee for the Repatriation of Antiquities Abroad coordinated with the United States Homeland Security Investigations. Because the Asian Art Museum is a local government entity administered by a board appointed by the City of San Francisco, deaccessioning required strict legal procedures. The process began in late September 2024, followed by public consultations and a further six months of evidence review to confirm the objects had been illegally exported.

News of the return has been warmly welcomed by residents of Tambon Yai Yaem Watthana, where the ruined Prasat Khao Plai Bat is located. Seventy-two-year-old local resident Bua Phan Dokbua recalled the site’s former beauty, saying it deteriorated rapidly after widespread looting and stone removal caused the structure to collapse. He said he hoped for restoration of the monument but warned that returning artefacts to the site could risk further theft.

Phra Chokthawi Anawilo, aged 55, of Wat Pa Khao Plai Bat monastery, suggested the artefacts should be kept at Phanom Rung Historical Park, where permanent staff are present. He added that conservation efforts at Prasat Khao Plai Bat remain minimal, with grass cutting carried out only once a month. Local voices are now urging relevant agencies to prioritise restoration of the long-neglected Khmer-era monument.

Matichon reported that the Fine Arts Department is expected to oversee conservation, registration and future display of the returned sculptures. Discussions are anticipated on long-term curation and on possible archaeological rehabilitation of Prasat Khao Plai Bat, following years of damage caused by illicit excavations.

Key Takeaways

• Four Prakhon Chai bronze sculptures aged 1,200–1,300 years were returned to Thailand on 6 January.

• The artefacts were illegally removed over 60 years ago and traced to a San Francisco museum after a nine-year effort.

• Local residents are urging urgent restoration of Prasat Khao Plai Bat, the sculptures’ original site.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-07

 

 

Khmer statues.