via Khmer Times, 05 September 2023: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is actively seeking the return of precious Khmer artefacts from Thailand and China, echoing successful examples from the United States. Cambodia’s focus is to recover artefacts that vanished during the civil war, emphasizing cooperation and urging those possessing Cambodian antiquities to facilitate their repatriation.
Sackona said the reason Cambodia intends to continue cooperation with other nations in the region and around the world is simply to bring home as many looted Cambodian artefacts as possible.
She added that Khmer antiquities represent the soul of Khmer ancestors and these precious treasures have drifted far away from their homeland for too long.
Sackona said, “The reason why Cambodian artefacts are still present abroad is because many people took them to faraway countries at the time Cambodia was at war. Cambodian antiquities are very expensive. So, we know only people in wealthy states have the money to buy them.”
She added that today Cambodia is peaceful and prosperous, saying, “Consequently, we are able to find and recognise artefacts that really belong to us. So, we are asking for their return to Cambodia.”
Source: MCFA seeks return of artefacts from Thailand and China – Khmer Times
