18-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Mr. Phanombut Chandrachote, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, announced on December 18, 2023, that coordination is underway with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) in the United States for the examination and eventual return of two antique bronze sculptures from Thailand.
The first sculpture is a bronze depiction of Lord Shiva, commonly known as the “Golden Boy,” dating back to the 16th century. The second sculpture is of a female figure from the same era. Both items are slated to be returned to the Consulate General of the United States. Additionally, coordination is in progress for the return of the Prasat Nong Hong lintel in Buriram Province and the Prasat Khao Lon lintel in Sa Kaeo Province. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoE) is overseeing these efforts to repatriate the cultural artifacts.
Mr. Phanombutr emphasized that the exact date and time of the return are yet to be confirmed but expressed confidence that the process would be swift. The coordination for the return is a result of collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has taken the initiative to address the illegal importation of these antiques.
Mr. Sermsak Phongpanich, the Minister of Culture, is preparing to submit a report on this matter to Mr. Settha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, for acknowledgment. The Ministry of Education expresses its appreciation to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for its cooperation in investigating and acknowledging the illegal importation of the two antiques, leading to their prompt return to Thailand.
