Ancient artefacts ‘Golden Boy’, seated woman slated to return next month
Significant progress has been made in the repatriation efforts of two stolen artefacts from the United States to Thailand, with the return costs being covered by the US government.
The artefacts slated for repatriation are a bronze statue of the Hindu god Shiva adorned in regalia, also known as the “Golden Boy”, and a bronze statue of a seated woman with hands raised above her head. These artefacts, both dating back to approximately the 11th century, are among several others that have been taken from Thailand unlawfully.
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said the Fine Arts Department is working with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) in New York to bring the ancient artefacts back home.
In response to the New York museum’s request for a Thai expert to inspect the artefacts, the Fine Arts Department assigned the job to Nitya Kanokmongkol, director of the department’s National Museum Division. Nitya boarded a flight for New York on Tuesday. During her visit, discussions will be held about the return of the two artefacts.
A memorandum of understanding has also been signed between the Fine Arts Department and The MET to bolster academic collaboration in museum-related matters.
Sermsak said The MET will bear all expenses incurred in returning the artefacts, which are expected to arrive in Thailand next month.
