The Post takes a look at 20 long-awaited Khmer artefacts that that were looted from the Kingdom in the 1980s and 90s, before their seizure in Thailand in 2000. Thailand had previously announced it would return the pieces to their rightful home, before an abrupt July 4 u-turn saw suspended Thai prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who now serves as culture minister, declare that the neighbouring could not return them due to “lack of funds”.
Most of the 20 artefacts were crafted in the 11th century, while some date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The majority originate from Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces, while some come from temples in the Angkor region or Koh Ker Temple.
Sum Mab, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, told the Post that when 43 pieces were seized from a ship many years ago, it was determined that they originated from Cambodia, and Thailand committed to returning all of them.
He added that, as of 2016, Thailand had already returned 23 artefacts.
According to the ministry, a handover was scheduled for this month, with the artefacts expected to arrive home in August.
In a July 6 letter, Cambodian culture minister Phoeurng Sakona informed the Thai ministry that Cambodia will cover repatriation costs and encouraged Thailand to respect the original agreement.
