American family returns ancient artifacts to Thailand

[webfact]

American Family Returns Ancient Artifacts To Thailand

By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Five American citizens, whose relatives lived in Thailand during Vietnam War, returned the biggest single lot of ancient items to the country, shipping 76 items shipped to the kingdom.

The items have been proved by archeologist to be valid, and will be registered as national treasures, according to MR. Anek Sihamat, deputy director-general of the Fine Art Department.

Archeologists reportedly had studied the items, and clarified that they belong to Ban Chiang era, and should be made between 1000 BC – 300 AD.

According to Mr. Manaswee Srisodaphol, director-general of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the owners of the artifacts contacted the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles, and had started to return the items since 2002.

According to our correspondent, all the donators explained that their relatives had lived in Thailand during the war period, and had shipped the items back with them once their returned to America. They later sought the origins of the items, and wished to return them to where they belong.

Mr. Manaswee said that the Fine Art Department plans to display the items in Ban Chaing Museum and other regional museums where there is adequate security for the items.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE1UUXlOamd6TVE9PQ==&sectionid=

-- KHAOSOD English 2013-10-11

[yooper2001]

Sometime people do the right thing. Thailand should smile on these good people.

[Somtamnication]

No mention of a thank you from the officials. When people do the right thing, it is ok to say thank you, no matter what their relatives did moons ago.

[barrybankruad]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

[cloghead]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

[ThaiRich]

The article fails to mention that the Americans had bought the items from Thai people before they were shipped back to America. I doubt they went digging and came across them.

[aussieinthailand]

Errr since people are doing the right thing and returning things back too Thailand, well how about the returning of that blue rock from Saudi

I'm just sayin

[aussieinthailand]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

[Dararasmi]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Yeah, we're the only ones. And we also stole the good part of a continent. (Something the Australians never did.)

Steel? Gee...I hope English isn't your first language.

[kamahele]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Yeah, those horrible Americans are to blame for all the world's problems throughout history. We're terrible. We've done some bad things but we usually (not always) end up owning up to it and apologizing. That much can't be said for most of the rest of the world.

[barrybankruad]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Certainly. At the time of the Vietnam War the Thais were restoring Phnom Rung. It took them nearly 20 years to do so. As they neared completion it was realised that the Narai lintel, that of a reclining Vishnu was missing. This lintel adorned the first, main, East door into the the temple and was unique. It was a vital piece of the puzzle.

By chance the lintel was discovered in a Chicago museum. The Thai authorities wanted it back, but at first the museum refused. This caused quite a stir in Thailand. Remember the Thai group Carabou? They had a huge hit here at the time entitled 'Keep Your Michael Jackson, Give us Back Our Lintel'. Eventually the museum returned the lintel but only after the Thai community in America had paid a quarter of as million dollars and the Thais promised to send regular exhibitions to the museum.

As to the lintel being sold by the locals, I don't know, but any clown knows that you need export permits for ancient artifacts which this obviously was. Therefore it was smuggled out of the Country and effectively stolen.

I took an interest in this as the temple is just down the road from me and the locals still talk about it. There are many references, here is one, look for others yourself.

http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,966959,00.html

EINSTEIN

[Sayonarax]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Yeah, we're the only ones. And we also stole the good part of a continent. (Something the Australians never did.)

Steel? Gee...I hope English isn't your first language.

I guess Americans discovered America too, eh?

[slipperylobster]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

t

steel? I no steel nothin. Our history too small. Maybe steel from Injuns...a few buffalo. But they has been steelin our horses. Perhaps some schoolin and you smarter

[IBoldnewguy]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Very unintelligent, biased comment - evidently uneducated - but shines as a genius in the bars of Thailand.

[aussieinthailand]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Yeah, we're the only ones. And we also stole the good part of a continent. (Something the Australians never did.)

Steel? Gee...I hope English isn't your first language.

Yu'p "steel" hehehe, oop's for the typo, hmmm wait a second, is that how to spell typo? or is it typ'o or maybe tie-po?

"(Something the Australians never did.)" and what do you mean by that comment?

[MaxYakov]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Certainly. At the time of the Vietnam War the Thais were restoring Phnom Rung. It took them nearly 20 years to do so. As they neared completion it was realised that the Narai lintel, that of a reclining Vishnu was missing. This lintel adorned the first, main, East door into the the temple and was unique. It was a vital piece of the puzzle.

By chance the lintel was discovered in a Chicago museum. The Thai authorities wanted it back, but at first the museum refused. This caused quite a stir in Thailand. Remember the Thai group Carabou? They had a huge hit here at the time entitled 'Keep Your Michael Jackson, Give us Back Our Lintel'. Eventually the museum returned the lintel but only after the Thai community in America had paid a quarter of as million dollars and the Thais promised to send regular exhibitions to the museum.

As to the lintel being sold by the locals, I don't know, but any clown knows that you need export permits for ancient artifacts which this obviously was. Therefore it was smuggled out of the Country and effectively stolen.

I took an interest in this as the temple is just down the road from me and the locals still talk about it. There are many references, here is one, look for others yourself.

http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,966959,00.html

EINSTEIN

Another (non-pay) account: http://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/25/us/chicago-museum-to-return-lintel-thais-say-was-stolen.html

It avoids the question of certification of legal ownership/export. Even if there were certifications they could have been forged. One would think that common sense would have prevailed (or not) in the acquisition chain.

[MaxYakov]

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Yeah, we're the only ones. And we also stole the good part of a continent. (Something the Australians never did.)

Steel? Gee...I hope English isn't your first language.

Yu'p "steel" hehehe, oop's for the typo, hmmm wait a second, is that how to spell typo? or is it typ'o or maybe tie-po?

"(Something the Australians never did.)" and what do you mean by that comment?

Maybe Dararasmi thought it might have been a Thaipo? How long have you been in Thailand?

[toybits]

Bravo. Well Done!!!!

[Jingthing]

Given how ancient those items are, think of their stay in America as a brief interlude ...

[khunjerrybkk]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Duhh....

Read up on your history .... you would be speaking Japanese now if it were not for America.

[kirk0233]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Certainly. At the time of the Vietnam War the Thais were restoring Phnom Rung. It took them nearly 20 years to do so. As they neared completion it was realised that the Narai lintel, that of a reclining Vishnu was missing. This lintel adorned the first, main, East door into the the temple and was unique. It was a vital piece of the puzzle.

By chance the lintel was discovered in a Chicago museum. The Thai authorities wanted it back, but at first the museum refused. This caused quite a stir in Thailand. Remember the Thai group Carabou? They had a huge hit here at the time entitled 'Keep Your Michael Jackson, Give us Back Our Lintel'. Eventually the museum returned the lintel but only after the Thai community in America had paid a quarter of as million dollars and the Thais promised to send regular exhibitions to the museum.

As to the lintel being sold by the locals, I don't know, but any clown knows that you need export permits for ancient artifacts which this obviously was. Therefore it was smuggled out of the Country and effectively stolen.

I took an interest in this as the temple is just down the road from me and the locals still talk about it. There are many references, here is one, look for others yourself.

http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,966959,00.html

EINSTEIN

Chicago Museum to Return Lintel Thais Say Was Stolen

AP

Published: October 25, 1988

The Art Institute of Chicago has agreed to return to Thailand an ancient carved lintel that the Thais say was stolen from their country more than 20 years ago, the institute said today.

The stone lintel will be returned in exchange for an artifact ''of equal artistic merit'' to be donated by the Chicago-based Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, a philanthropic group that wanted to help resolve the dispute, said Virginia Voedisch, a spokeswoman for the institute.

The museum has maintained that it obtained the lintel legitimately as a donation from a private foundation, and had refused Thailand's demands that it be returned.

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/25/us/chicago-museum-to-return-lintel-thais-say-was-stolen.html

About Elizabeth F. Cheney (1902-1985)

The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation was established in 1985 by Elizabeth F. Cheney shortly before her death. Miss Cheney, a life-long resident of the Chicago area, was particularly interested in artistic, cultural, and educational organizations and supported many such institutions during her lifetime.

[tragickingdom]

No mention of a thank you from the officials. When people do the right thing, it is ok to say thank you, no matter what their relatives did moons ago.

I think the government thanked them already by not locking the thieves up. Khmer, Laos, Thai and Vietnamese heritage sites have been robbed blind by American servicemen and their friends. Go to Wat Angkor and ask how much statues have been beheaded by scrupulous robbers. It is sad that only so few people return stolen goods.

[BuriramRes]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Yeah, those horrible Americans are to blame for all the world's problems throughout history. We're terrible. We've done some bad things but we usually (not always) end up owning up to it and apologizing. That much can't be said for most of the rest of the world.

Hail be to the great US of A. Go sing your star bangers elsewhere.

[SDH]

Well done to the Good American Folks!

[aussieinthailand]

Bit different from the Narai lintel stolen by the Americans from Prasat Phnom Rung during the Vietnam War. The Thais had to BUY that back from the American museum where it ended up.

<deleted>? Hey Einstein, provide references on that ^^^ OK?

Just take a look at the American history, they like to steel other people's national treasures,

Duhh....

Read up on your history .... you would be speaking Japanese now if it were not for America.

Duhh...

That old chestnut,

read up on your history... Just how many American servicemen were in Darwin Australia when it was bombed? did you guy's fight there and save us from speaking Japanese.

and yeah mate a lot of Americans saved Aussie lives, just as a lot of Aussies saved American lives,

but your comment has nothing to do with the OP,,, please try to keep up.

[dao16]

Well, if you know anything about archeology and its history, you would know that it was essentially university/government sponsored stealing from poorer countries in the world. Can't be bothered posting links, but go look it up. If you are from a country that has had archeology for more than about 40- 50 years (most of Western Europe did) then your country has stolen many artifacts.--ask an Egyptian about it some time (among others).

So, it is good that they gave it back. I have known people (not just Americans, sorry) who were traveling in other countries and then got stopped at customs on their way out because they didn't have the proper documentation for some sculpture or whatever. They had just picked it up in a shop or a market and thought it looked cool....they didn't even think they were taking out some important cultural heritage piece. Not saying that is what happened here (have no idea), but it does happen.

[marell]

Why do we have to take a story of well-intentioned people doing a decent thing...and turn it into a pis*ing contest?

Edited October 11, 2013 by marell

[Pitts]

Why do we have to take a story of well-intentioned people doing a decent thing...and turn it into a pis*ing contest?

Agreed, I think they did a good thing.

[Jingthing]

Why do we have to take a story of well-intentioned people doing a decent thing...and turn it into a pis*ing contest?

Simples. Knee jerk anti-Americanism.

[nullx8]

Thai customs charge the usual 380% ?