Thailand eyes three artefacts for return

via Bangkok Post, 22 April 2021: Thailand is  seeking the return of three artefacts believed stolen from Lopburi and Kalasin provinces, and now on display at the Asia Society and the British Museum.

The national committee on repatriation of stolen artefacts will pursue another three historical artefacts displayed in museums in the US and UK, says Itthiphol Kunplome, the culture minister.

“Officials have checked with archaeological database and photos, and ascertained that these objects were artefacts smuggled out of Thailand,” Mr Itthiphol told the media on Wednesday.

They are a Buddha statue believed to have been removed from Sap Champa Ancient City in Lop Buri province, and two “sema” (Buddhist’s temple boundary markers) believed to have been stolen from Kao Daet Song Yang Ancient City in Kalasin province.

The Buddha statue is on display at the Asia Society in New York City, and the sema objects have been displayed at the British Museum in London.

Source: Panel eyes three artefacts for return

See also:

• Thailand will pursue return of another 3 ancient artifacts | Pattaya Mail, 25 April 2021