Thailand celebrates return of ancient artefacts from US
Thailand welcomed back four ancient Ban Chiang artefacts yesterday, repatriated from the United States, in a gesture marking the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return ceremony, held at the Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall within Bangkok’s National Museum, underscored the commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
The US Ambassador, Robert Godec, revealed that these artefacts had been gifted to an American soldier by the Thai government during the 1960s. Since then, they have been safeguarded at the US embassy in a controlled environment. Recently, the embassy proposed their return to Thailand’s Fine Arts Department said Godec.
“Now is the right time to return these precious items to their rightful home. Particularly as the United States government has made significant steps in recent years to proactively return cultural objects around the world back to their rightful owners.”
Notably, this follows the US’s return of two ancient statues from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to Thailand in May. These statues, including the Golden Boy standing Shiva, are now on display at the National Museum. Godec expressed hope that the artefacts would aid further study and understanding of Southeast Asia’s prehistoric societies.
“We hope [these artefacts] will contribute to the further study and understanding of one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric societies.”
Culture Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, emphasised the artefacts’ significance as national treasures, providing evidence of human settlement in the region approximately 3,000 years ago. She highlighted that their return would fortify cultural ties and the enduring cooperation between the US and Thailand.
Ancient artefacts
“The United States has been a significant supporter of various projects related to the Ban Chiang archaeological site, particularly through the joint excavation and research conducted by the Fine Arts Department and the University of Pennsylvania in 1974.”
The research conducted at Ban Chiang has globally validated the age of these artefacts, she added.
Phnombootra Chandrajoti, head of the Fine Arts Department, noted the ongoing issue of artefact looting and smuggling out of Thailand.
A dedicated committee has been formed, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Police, and the Fine Arts Department, to facilitate the return of such items, reported Bangkok Post.
In a recent development, the committee identified two ancient Hindu relics currently in the US, and efforts are underway to determine their origins, Phnombootra said.
“Artefacts are important to humanity and best kept in their motherland.”
