Swiss Family Returns Suspected Ban Chiang Artefacts to Thailand

Swiss Family Returns Suspected Ban Chiang Artefacts to Thailand

A Swiss national has handed several ancient objects to the Thai Embassy in Switzerland after saying the collection had been passed down through his family. The items, which may have originated from the Ban Chiang archaeological site in Udon Thani, include pottery, painted ceramics, bronze tools and weapons, jewellery and ancient beads. Thai Ambassador Pannapa Chantararom met Albert Schussegger in Bellinzona on August 11 after he contacted the embassy offering to return the objects. Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and Fine Arts Department will examine the collection to determine its authenticity, age and origin before arranging its transfer to Thailand. Ban Chiang became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and is internationally recognised for its prehistoric settlements, distinctive pottery and evidence of early agriculture and technological development.