BANGKOK, Thailand – Four ancient Thai artifacts originally removed from an archaeological site in Buriram province in 1964 are set to be returned from the United States. The group includes three Bodhisattva statues and one Buddha statue, previously held by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, which formally deregistered them from its collection following discussions with U.S. authorities and Thai officials.
The sculptures were illegally excavated from Prasat Hin Khao Plai Bat II in Chaloem Phra Kiat district. Their removal prompted decades of recovery efforts led by Thailand’s Committee on the Repatriation of Cultural Artifacts from Overseas. Since 2017, the committee has worked closely with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to identify and reclaim items removed from Thailand and housed in foreign institutions.
In September 2024, the museum’s Board of Trustees initiated a formal process to review the artifacts’ status, opening a six-month consultation period. After reviewing supporting documentation and stakeholder input, the board unanimously resolved in April 2025 to delist the items and begin preparations for their return.
The Fine Arts Department is now working with HSI, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles, and the Asian Art Museum to finalize legal and logistical arrangements for the repatriation. The process is expected to be completed in the coming months. (NNT)
