PM thanks agencies on returning of Thai artifacts

BANGKOK, Aug 4 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has thanked concerned government agencies following their efforts in a recent return of a dozen ancient artifacts from the United States to Thailand, according to a spokesman of Prime Minister’s Office. The government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the prime minister thanked Culture and the Foreign Affairs ministries as well as related agencies in their efforts for successful return of the dozen ancient artifacts from the US to Thailand. Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said earlier that the artifacts were given by Katherine Ayers-Mannix to the Thai embassy in Washington, which shipped them back to Thailand. The items are believed to have mostly come from a prehistoric civilization dating back more than 4,000 years that was centred around Ban Chiang, in what is now the northeastern province of Udon Thani. Mr Vira said Thailand was seeking the return from museums in the US of other items that were taken illegally from the country and has been gathering evidence to back its claims. Lt Gen Sansern said Gen Prayut had also thanked the Washington for its understanding and cooperation in returning the artifacts to Thailand. He said Gen Prayuth had stressed the return of ancient artifacts must be recorded in the Thai history and inform to the people, especially children, so that they could learn the history. These artifacts must also be exhibited to the public so that the Thais would be able to learn about their values and also proud of the Thai culture, said Gen Prayut. Also, Gen Prayut has boosted morale of Thai authorities in their efforts on following of Thai artifacts now on display in foreign countries, said Lt Gen Sansern. (TNA)