Warning over export of antiques

PHUKET CITY: Officers from the Customs Office at Phuket International Airport and from the Thalang National Museum have issued a reminder that people wanting to take antiques or Buddha images out of Thailand must first obtain a permit to do so. Nittaya Pinchaisiri, an officer at Thalang National Museum, said, “People who want to take antiques or Buddha images bought in Thailand back to their home countries need to have permission from the government first. But most people don’t know that it takes time to issue a permit to take such items out of the country.” She explained that a committee of officials from the Phuket Fine Arts Office and the Thalang National Museum, which examines applications to export items of cultural value, must approve each application before passing it on to the Governor of Phuket for approval. “Currently, it should not take longer than four days to issue a permit, but we will soon accelerate the process so that it takes only two days,” she said. Mana Pisibut, Chief of the Customs office at Phuket International Airport, said, “We will urge antique shops to inform their customers about this regulation.” He warned that people found taking cultural artifacts out of the country without a permit could have the items seized and might even be detained by Customs officials For more information about permits to export cultural items contact the Thalang National Museum, at Moo 3, Tambon Srisoonthorn, Thalang. Tel: 076-311426. Open 8:30 am to 4 pm, government work days only.